1974 Buick Riviera vs. 1988 Volvo 240
To start off, 1988 Volvo 240 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Riviera 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 154 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 750 kg more than 1988 Volvo 240. 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 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 240. 1974 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1988 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1988 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 1988 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Riviera | 240 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2660 mm |
