1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1979 Buick LeSabre is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 450 kg more than 1979 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1979 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2950 mm |
