1970 Buick Riviera vs. 1988 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1988 Ford Meteor is newer by 18 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 @ 4600 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1988 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Meteor.
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, 1988 Ford Meteor, 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 401 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Meteor. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Meteor. 1970 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Meteor has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Meteor 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 | 1988 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
