1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1976 Buick Riviera is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 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 101 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 815 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12, 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 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 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Buick | Renault |
| Model | Riviera | 12 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2450 mm |
