1991 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1991 Buick Riviera. (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1991 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Buick Riviera weights approximately 130 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1991 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1991 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour 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 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Contour |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
