Buick Riviera

vs

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

USA vs USA — 1965 vs 1970

Buick Riviera (1965)
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (1970)
Specifications
Riviera Gran Sport 425Cutlass Supreme SX 455
Horsepower360 hp320 hp
Torque465 lb-ft460 lb-ft
Engine Size6,965 cc7,456 cc
0-60 mph7.2 sec7.0 sec
Top Speed130 mph120 mph
¼ Mile15.3 sec15.2 sec
Weight4,500 lbs3,750 lbs
Wheelbase3,073 mm2,845 mm
Length5,410 mm5,182 mm
Units Produced3,96116,833
Original MSRP$4,424$3,551
Value (Excellent)$95,000$65,000
Collectibility8/107/10
Rarity7/105/10
The Verdict

On balance, the 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport 425 makes a stronger case on paper with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. However, the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455 counters with quicker acceleration, lighter weight, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport 425 for outright capability, or the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455 for a more distinctive ownership experience.

Overview

In the world of Personal Luxury cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport 425 versus the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport 425 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 360 hp compared to 320 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Buick Riviera uses a V8 OHV (Buick 425 Nailhead) displacing 6,965 cc, while the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme relies on a V8 OHV (Oldsmobile 455) with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455 edges ahead at 7.0 seconds versus 7.2 seconds. The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 750 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 3,961 units built, the 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport 425 is considerably scarcer than the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme's 16,833 examples.