1973 Buick Riviera vs. 1986 Plymouth Caravelle
To start off, 1986 Plymouth Caravelle is newer by 13 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 153 more horse power than 1986 Plymouth Caravelle. (97 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Plymouth Caravelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 875 kg more than 1986 Plymouth Caravelle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Plymouth Caravelle, 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, 1973 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Plymouth Caravelle. (158 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Plymouth Caravelle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 1986 Plymouth Caravelle | |
| Make | Buick | Plymouth |
| Model | Riviera | Caravelle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2630 mm |
