1991 Buick Riviera vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 1991 Buick Riviera is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Buick Riviera (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Buick Riviera weights approximately 910 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa 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 1968 Lotus Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Buick Riviera, 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, 1991 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Buick Riviera | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Riviera | Europa |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2340 mm |
