1972 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1979 GMC Suburban is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 192 kg more than 1972 Buick Riviera.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 1979 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Buick | GMC |
| Model | Riviera | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2232 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3300 mm |
