1973 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 38 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, 2011 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1973 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 528 kg more than 2011 Nissan Altima.
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, 2011 Nissan Altima, 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 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Altima. (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Altima. 1973 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2011 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2011 Nissan Altima 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 | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Altima |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 76 L |
