1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Ford Mustang

To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 16 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 134 kg more than 2012 Ford Mustang.

Because 2012 Ford Mustang 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 2012 Ford Mustang. 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Mustang 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 2012 Ford Mustang
Make Buick Ford
Model Riviera Mustang
Year Released 1996 2012
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3789 cc 3700 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Horse Power 202 HP 305 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 312 Nm 379 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4250 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic 6-speed manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1700 kg 1566 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity 75 L 61 L