2002 Buick Rendezvous vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2002 Buick Rendezvous is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2002 Buick Rendezvous. (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2002 Buick Rendezvous. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 201 kg more than 2002 Buick Rendezvous. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Buick Riviera 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 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Buick Rendezvous, 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 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Buick Rendezvous. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Buick Rendezvous.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Buick Rendezvous | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Rendezvous | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1839 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3110 mm |
