1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 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 75 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (175 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 626 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. 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 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Buick Riviera | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Riviera | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3349 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 250 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 518 Nm | 285 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
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 | 1414 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 54 L |