1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2013 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2013 Ford Explorer is newer by 16 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, 2013 Ford Explorer (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Explorer weights approximately 386 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Ford Explorer. (346 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2013 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8: 1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2291 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
