1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,595 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 631 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121. 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (435 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | 121 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6595 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
