1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2012 Ford Falcon is newer by 15 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Falcon (240 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 33 kg more than 2012 Ford Falcon.
Because 2012 Ford Falcon 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 2012 Ford Falcon. 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Falcon. (353 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2012 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1648 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 68 L |
