1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1969 Volvo 120
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1969 Volvo 120. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1969 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 670 kg more than 1969 Volvo 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Volvo 120 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 1969 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volvo 120. (158 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1969 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Riviera | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 45 L |
