1965 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 1981 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Buick Riviera 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 218 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Buick Riviera weights approximately 942 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort, 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, 1965 Buick Riviera (603 Nm) has 482 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm). This means 1965 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Buick Riviera | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Escort |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6966 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.8 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2400 mm |
