1981 Audi 100 vs. 1974 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1981 Audi 100 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1981 Audi 100. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Audi 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 930 kg more than 1981 Audi 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Audi 100, 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Audi 100. (124 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Audi 100. 1974 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1981 Audi 100 has manual transmission. 1981 Audi 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Audi 100 | 1974 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Audi | Buick |
| Model | 100 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 95 L |
