1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1955 Porsche 356
To start off, 1976 Buick Riviera is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 6,595 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1955 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1955 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 915 kg more than 1955 Porsche 356. 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (435 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Porsche 356. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1955 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1955 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 1955 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Buick | Porsche |
| Model | Riviera | 356 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 6595 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2110 mm |
