1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1976 Buick Riviera is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Buick Riviera. (154 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 180 kg more than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 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 | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
