1973 Buick Riviera vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1973 Buick Riviera is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird 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 92 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 455 kg more than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. 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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Buick Riviera | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Riviera | Firebird |
Year Released | 1973 | 1971 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5792 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 250 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 518 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2750 mm |