1999 Buick Riviera vs. 1971 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1999 Buick Riviera is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick Riviera (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick Riviera weights approximately 450 kg more than 1971 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford Zephyr 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 1971 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Riviera | 1971 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
