1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Ford Econovan
To start off, 2004 Ford Econovan is newer by 8 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 112 more horse power than 2004 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 404 kg more than 2004 Ford Econovan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Ford Econovan 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 2004 Ford Econovan. 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 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Econovan. (138 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Econovan. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Econovan has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Econovan 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 | 2004 Ford Econovan | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Econovan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2210 mm |
