1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1968 Chevrolet Corvair
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Corvair 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 100 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 566 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Chevrolet Corvair 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 Chevrolet Corvair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1968 Chevrolet Corvair has manual transmission. 1968 Chevrolet Corvair will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1968 Chevrolet Corvair | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Corvair |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
