2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 32 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 63 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 550 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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 312 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (305 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Buick |
| Model | Spider | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3110 mm |
