1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1970 Volvo 164
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1970 Volvo 164. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1970 Volvo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 321 kg more than 1970 Volvo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volvo 164 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 1970 Volvo 164. 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 (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volvo 164. (210 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volvo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1970 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Riviera | 164 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
