1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 700 kg more than 1979 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Cortina 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 1979 Ford Cortina. 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Buick Riviera | 1979 Ford Cortina | |
Make | Buick | Ford |
Model | Riviera | Cortina |
Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1294 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 92 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1000 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2590 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 54 L |