1965 Buick Riviera vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 34 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 88 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Buick Riviera weights approximately 504 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. 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, 1999 Ford Contour, 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 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm). This means 1965 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 1965 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Buick Riviera | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Contour |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6966 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.8 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 56 L |
