1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Buick Riviera is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 424 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour.
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, 1998 Buick Riviera (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Contour |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2710 mm |
