1973 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Kia Spectra
To start off, 2009 Kia Spectra 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, 1973 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2009 Kia Spectra. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Spectra.
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 Kia Spectra, 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 333 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Spectra. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Spectra. 1973 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Spectra has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Spectra 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 | 2009 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Riviera | Spectra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 53 L |
