1970 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Buick Riviera (265 HP) has 216 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1126 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1970 Buick Riviera (522 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 1970 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Riviera | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Escort |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1116 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1986 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
