1987 Buick Riviera vs. 1953 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1987 Buick Riviera is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Riviera (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1953 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1953 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Riviera weights approximately 736 kg more than 1953 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Ford Prefect 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 1953 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera, 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, 1987 Buick Riviera (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Ford Prefect. 1987 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1953 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1953 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Riviera | 1953 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2220 mm |
