1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Ford LTD
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 5 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 1979 Ford LTD 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 1979 Ford LTD. 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford LTD. (332 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford LTD.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Riviera | 1979 Ford LTD | |
Make | Buick | Ford |
Model | Riviera | LTD |
Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 133 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 364 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1686 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2000 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |