1974 Buick Riviera vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 1974 Buick Riviera is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 730 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Buick | Plymouth |
| Model | Riviera | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 60 L |
