1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1976 Buick Riviera is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (154 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 84 kg more than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 4095 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3000 mm |
