1973 Buick Riviera vs. 1963 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1973 Buick Riviera is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1963 Ford Cortina. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1963 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1200 kg more than 1963 Ford Cortina. 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, 1973 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Ford Cortina. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Ford Cortina. 1973 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1963 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1963 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 1963 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 45 L |
