1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 44 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 15 more horse power than 2012 Ford Explorer. (290 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 167 kg more than 1968 Buick Riviera.
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, 2012 Ford Explorer, 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 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
