1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1970 Ford 12 M
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford 12 M 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 153 more horse power than 1970 Ford 12 M. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 850 kg more than 1970 Ford 12 M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford 12 M 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 1970 Ford 12 M. 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 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford 12 M. (93 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1970 Ford 12 M | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | 12 M |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
