1973 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1979 Saab 900 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1979 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 840 kg more than 1979 Saab 900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Buick Riviera 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 1973 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900, 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, 1973 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Saab 900. 1973 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1979 Saab 900 has manual transmission. 1979 Saab 900 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 1979 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Buick | Saab |
| Model | Riviera | 900 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 58 L |
