1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 21 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, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1976 Buick Riviera. (154 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 451 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
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, 1997 Ford Contour, 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Contour |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
