1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1976 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fiesta 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 163 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 985 kg more than 1976 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fiesta. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Fiesta 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 | 1976 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
