1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1973 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Fairlane (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 85 kg more than 1973 Ford Fairlane.
Because 1973 Ford Fairlane 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 1973 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Riviera | 1973 Ford Fairlane | |
Make | Buick | Ford |
Model | Riviera | Fairlane |
Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5766 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 212 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 427 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1615 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5060 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |