1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2011 Ford Explorer is newer by 40 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 21 more horse power than 2011 Ford Explorer. (290 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Explorer.
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, 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2011 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2860 mm |
