1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Opel Astra
To start off, 2002 Opel Astra is newer by 30 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 149 more horse power than 2002 Opel Astra. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 690 kg more than 2002 Opel Astra. 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, 2002 Opel Astra, 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 369 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Opel Astra. (149 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Opel Astra. 1972 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2002 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2002 Opel Astra 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 | 2002 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Riviera | Astra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 52 L |
