1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (211 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 734 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1830 mm |
