1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1971 Holden Belmont
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Holden Belmont. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Holden Belmont would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Holden Belmont is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Holden Belmont (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Holden Belmont should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 301 kg more than 1971 Holden Belmont.
Because 1971 Holden Belmont 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 1971 Holden Belmont. 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, 1971 Holden Belmont (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Holden Belmont will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1971 Holden Belmont has manual transmission. 1971 Holden Belmont 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 | 1971 Holden Belmont | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | Riviera | Belmont |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 5042 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2830 mm |
