1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1981 Mercury Lynx is newer by 13 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 235 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 950 kg more than 1981 Mercury Lynx. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 524 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1981 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Riviera | Lynx |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2400 mm |
