1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1955 Ford Consul
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Ford Consul would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1955 Ford Consul. (40 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 655 kg more than 1955 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Ford Consul 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 1955 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Consul. (100 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Consul. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1955 Ford Consul has manual transmission. 1955 Ford Consul will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1955 Ford Consul | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Consul |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1508 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1550 mm |
