1979 Buick Estate vs. 1997 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 170 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 1979 Buick Estate 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 1979 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera, 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, 1979 Buick Estate (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 1997 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Estate | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
