1974 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (261 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1974 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 779 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Because 1974 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 1974 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (353 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. 1974 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt has manual transmission. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 49 L |
