1991 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1991 Buick Riviera is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Buick Riviera (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Buick Riviera weights approximately 625 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. 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, 1991 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 1991 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1991 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Buick Riviera | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Escort |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2400 mm |
