1973 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 39 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 75 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 642 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima. 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, 2012 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 274 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Altima |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1398 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 |
