1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 Nissan 370Z (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1972 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 537 kg more than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan 370Z. (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan 370Z. 1972 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan 370Z has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1503 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4404 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1316 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 72 L |
