1988 Buick Electra vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 17 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 148 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 465 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Buick Electra | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
Make | Buick | Buick |
Model | Electra | Riviera |
Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 7468 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 311 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 617 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 2040 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2040 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3110 mm |