1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Riviera 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 74 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 554 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus 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 | 1998 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Focus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
