1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1983 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1983 Lincoln Continental. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1983 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 5 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 1983 Lincoln Continental 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 1983 Lincoln Continental. 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 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lincoln Continental. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1983 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Buick | Lincoln |
| Model | Riviera | Continental |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1686 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2760 mm |
