1971 Buick Riviera III Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Buick Riviera III weighs approximately 2042 kg (4502 lbs) curb weight. This relatively heavy weight is consistent with large luxury coupes of its era, which prioritized ride comfort and solid build quality over lightweight agility. The car's weight affects its acceleration, braking, and fuel consumption — it provides a planted feel on the road and a smooth cruising experience but may feel less nimble compared to lighter modern cars. The solid chassis and suspension design help manage the weight, offering good stability and ride comfort.

The Buick Riviera III's sizeable dimensions mean its fit in a standard single-car garage depends on the garage size. With a length of 5545 mm (218.3 inches or roughly 18.2 feet) and width of 2032 mm (80 inches or about 6.7 feet), it requires a garage that is at least 6 meters (20 feet) deep and about 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) wide for comfortable parking with some clearance. Many standard garages built today are approximately 6 meters deep and 3 meters wide, so the Riviera III can fit but will feel relatively snug, with little room for opening doors wide or storing additional items.

Compared to the Riviera II generation (1966-1970), the Riviera III (1971-1973) is noticeably larger in overall size. The Riviera III's length of 5545 mm (218.3 in) represents an increase that added greater presence and interior space compared to the slightly smaller Riviera II, which was approximately 5461 mm (215 in) long. The width of the Riviera III at 2032 mm (80 in) is also broader, emphasizing a wider stance. These dimension increases reflected evolving market trends toward larger luxury coupes, offering more comfort and road presence over the previous generation.

In comparison to other American luxury coupes of the early 1970s such as the Cadillac Eldorado or the Lincoln Continental Mark III, the Buick Riviera III is competitive in size and weight. The Riviera III at 5545 mm (218.3 in) long and 2042 kg (4502 lbs) sits within a similar range — the Eldorado was roughly 5720 mm (225 in) long and heavier, and the Lincoln Mark III measured around 5600 mm (220.5 in) in length. All these cars emphasize large dimensions and substantial curb weights, reflecting the era's focus on spaciousness and comfort features rather than compactness or lightweight design.

With a height of 1372 mm (54 inches) and a generous overall length of 5545 mm (218.3 inches), the Buick Riviera III offers comfortable interior dimensions for a personal luxury coupe. The relatively low roofline contributes to a sleek coupe profile but still allows decent headroom for front and rear passengers, particularly due to the car's long wheelbase that maximizes interior cabin length. Legroom is ample in the front seats for driver and passenger comfort, though rear seat space is more limited as typical for 2-door coupes. The interior layout prioritizes luxury and comfort with plush seating and quality materials.

The Buick Riviera III's wide body at 2032 mm (80 inches) benefits both passenger comfort and handling. A wider stance provides greater lateral stability, reducing body roll through corners and improving the overall road grip, which enhances ride confidence. For occupants, the wide cabin width translates into more shoulder and elbow room, making it a comfortable choice for long drives. This wide track coupled with a well-tuned suspension helped the Riviera III maintain a smooth and stable driving experience despite its hefty weight.

The Buick Riviera III has a curb weight of approximately 2042 kg (4502 lbs), which is slightly heavier than the Riviera II generation. The increase in weight reflects enhancements in build quality, additional comfort features, and structural reinforcements typical in the early 1970s luxury coupe development. This added mass contributes to a more solid and plush ride quality, dampening road imperfections and providing a feeling of stability and refinement over uneven surfaces. The tradeoff is that a heavier car may have modestly reduced acceleration and braking performance compared to its lighter predecessor.

The Buick Riviera III, produced between 1971 and 1973, is a distinctive personal luxury coupe known for its dramatic styling and comfortable ride. It features a long and wide body with dimensions of 5545 mm length, 2032 mm width, and 1372 mm height, alongside a curb weight of 2042 kg. The car was equipped with powerful V8 engines providing smooth performance suitable for cruising. Design highlights include sharp lines, a commanding front grille, and luxury interior appointments such as premium upholstery and advanced (for its time) convenience features. This third-generation Riviera is highly regarded as a classic example of early 1970s American automotive luxury.

Compared to modern luxury coupes, the 1971-1973 Buick Riviera III is significantly larger in terms of length (5545 mm / 218.3 in) and width (2032 mm / 80 in), reflecting design trends of the 1970s that favored big, spacious, and imposing vehicles. While modern luxury coupes might be more compact with more aerodynamic shapes, the Riviera III emphasizes interior comfort, road presence, and classic styling over compactness or lightweight efficiency. Although it lacks contemporary technological amenities, its size underpins a luxurious and comfortable ride with ample interior space, providing a distinct nostalgic charm that's valued by collectors and enthusiasts.