1973 Buick Riviera vs. 1990 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1990 Ford Tempo is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Riviera 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 154 more horse power than 1990 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 890 kg more than 1990 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Ford Tempo, 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, 1973 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Tempo. (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 1990 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2540 mm |
