1972 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Lexus ES
To start off, 1997 Lexus ES is newer by 25 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 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1997 Lexus ES. (210 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1997 Lexus ES. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 510 kg more than 1997 Lexus ES. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Buick Riviera is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Lexus ES, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lexus ES. (304 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lexus ES.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 1997 Lexus ES | |
| Make | Buick | Lexus |
| Model | Riviera | ES |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2680 mm |
