2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1956 Riley Pathfinder
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Riley Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Riley Pathfinder would be higher. At 3,879 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (224 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1956 Riley Pathfinder. (108 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1956 Riley Pathfinder.
Because 1956 Riley Pathfinder 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 1956 Riley Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (237 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Riley Pathfinder. (183 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Riley Pathfinder. 2009 Buick Lucerne has automatic transmission and 1956 Riley Pathfinder has manual transmission. 1956 Riley Pathfinder will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1956 Riley Pathfinder | |
| Make | Buick | Riley |
| Model | Lucerne | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3879 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
