1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Thunderbird 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 40 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 322 kg more than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Ford Thunderbird 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 1986 Ford Thunderbird. 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 54 L |
