1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1954 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1998 Buick Riviera is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Riviera (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1954 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 901 kg more than 1954 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Ford Prefect 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 1954 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Buick Riviera (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Ford Prefect. 1998 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1954 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1954 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1954 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 1170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2220 mm |
