1963 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Buick Riviera (321 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1963 Buick Riviera (603 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 474 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1963 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 1963 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1963 Buick Riviera | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
Make | Buick | Ford |
Model | Riviera | Fiesta |
Year Released | 1963 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1608 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 321 HP | 83 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 603 Nm | 129 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 6.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 3570 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2400 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 34 L |