1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 16 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 @ 4200 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. (148 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 290 kg more than 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Riviera | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2920 mm |
