1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1987 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Sierra (224 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 493 kg more than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Because 1987 Ford Sierra 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 1987 Ford Sierra. 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (285 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1987 Ford Sierra 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 | 1987 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1207 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
