1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1976 Buick Riviera is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (154 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 295 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. 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 (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Buick Riviera | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Riviera | Firebird |
Year Released | 1976 | 1972 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5724 cc | 4093 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 154 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 380 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |