1987 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1987 Buick Riviera. (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 84 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1987 Buick Riviera (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Riviera | 2003 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2730 mm |
