1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE (235 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 271 kg more than 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE.
Because 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE 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 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE. 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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE. (245 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE has manual transmission. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE 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 | 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE | |
| Make | Buick | Ferrari |
| Model | Riviera | 250 GTE |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 58.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 140 L |
