1974 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 38 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 110 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 786 kg more than 2012 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic, 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Buick | Honda |
| Model | Riviera | Civic |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1254 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 50 L |
