1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1959 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 730 kg more than 1959 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 458 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1959 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2720 mm |
