1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1984 Ford Orion
To start off, 1984 Ford Orion is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP) has 233 more horse power than 1984 Ford Orion. (78 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1134 kg more than 1984 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Orion, 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 489 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Orion. (128 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1984 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Orion |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 78 HP |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2410 mm |
