1973 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 36 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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1973 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 101 kg more than 1973 Buick Riviera. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala, 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. (438 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 2009 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Impala |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 438 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2141 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 64 L |
