1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS-V
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V is newer by 40 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V (556 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 306 more horse power than 1972 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 125 kg more than 2012 Cadillac CTS-V.
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, 2012 Cadillac CTS-V (746 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Buick Riviera. (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Buick Riviera. 1972 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Cadillac CTS-V has manual transmission. 2012 Cadillac CTS-V 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 | 2012 Cadillac CTS-V | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Riviera | CTS-V |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 556 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 746 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 68 L |
