1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 740 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Buick | Wartburg |
| Model | Riviera | 312 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
