1970 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2011 Ford Explorer is newer by 41 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, 2011 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1970 Buick Riviera. (265 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1970 Buick Riviera.
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, 2011 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, 1970 Buick Riviera (522 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Riviera | 2011 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2860 mm |
