1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2002 Ford Explorer is newer by 31 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 101 more horse power than 2002 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 101 kg more than 2002 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. 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 296 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Explorer. (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Explorer. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2002 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4016 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3070 mm |
