1972 Buick Riviera vs. 1989 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1989 Dodge Viper is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,994 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Viper (400 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1972 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 586 kg more than 1989 Dodge Viper.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Dodge Viper (610 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Buick Riviera. (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Buick Riviera. 1972 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1989 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1989 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 1989 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Riviera | Viper |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 7994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 610 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 83 L |
