1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1989 Ford Escort
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Riviera 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 65 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 740 kg more than 1989 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort, 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 1989 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Escort |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2400 mm |
