1978 Buick Century vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1978 Buick Century is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 610 kg more than 1978 Buick Century. 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Century | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3110 mm |
