1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1976 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1976 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera 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 170 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 280 kg more than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. 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 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1976 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2760 mm |
