1973 Austin 1800 vs. 1968 Buick Riviera

To start off, 1973 Austin 1800 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1973 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 710 kg more than 1973 Austin 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1968 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 1968 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Austin 1800, 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 504 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin 1800. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin 1800.

Compare all specifications:

1973 Austin 1800 1968 Buick Riviera
Make Austin Buick
Model 1800 Riviera
Year Released 1973 1968
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1799 cc 7050 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 86 HP 305 HP
Engine RPM 5400 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 141 Nm 645 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 3200 RPM
Engine Bore Size 80.3 mm 106.2 mm
Engine Stroke Size 88.9 mm 99.4 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1190 kg 1900 kg
Vehicle Length 4250 mm 5370 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 2020 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 2700 mm 3030 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 49 L 75 L