1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1958 Morris Minor
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Morris Minor would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1958 Morris Minor. (36 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1958 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 891 kg more than 1958 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Morris Minor 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 1958 Morris Minor. 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 (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Morris Minor. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1958 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Buick | Morris |
| Model | Riviera | Minor |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2190 mm |
