1973 Buick Riviera vs. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1973 Buick Riviera is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 640 kg more than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1973 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4637 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 61 L |
