1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 34 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 82 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 607 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40. 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, 2006 Volvo S40, 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 288 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S40. (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Riviera | S40 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 62 L |
