1987 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
To start off, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria (221 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1987 Buick Riviera. (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 276 kg more than 1987 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Crown Victoria 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 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. 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, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Riviera. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Riviera | 2003 Ford Crown Victoria | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Crown Victoria |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1777 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2620 mm |
