1965 Buick Riviera vs. 1962 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1965 Buick Riviera is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 6,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Buick Riviera (288 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1962 Ford Zephyr. (103 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1962 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Buick Riviera weights approximately 717 kg more than 1962 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1965 Buick Riviera (603 Nm) has 418 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ford Zephyr. (185 Nm). This means 1965 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Buick Riviera | 1962 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6966 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 144 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1179 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 45 L |
