1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 42 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 1972 Ford Gran Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 5751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 87 L |
