1973 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1980 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Riviera 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 194 more horse power than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1185 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 426 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (92 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. 1973 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1980 Vauxhall Chevette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 1980 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Buick | Vauxhall |
| Model | Riviera | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 45 L |
