1987 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Plymouth Volare
To start off, 1987 Buick Riviera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Plymouth Volare would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Riviera (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Volare. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Volare. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Riviera weights approximately 16 kg more than 1980 Plymouth Volare. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Plymouth Volare 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 1980 Plymouth Volare. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Buick Riviera (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Plymouth Volare. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Plymouth Volare.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Riviera | 1980 Plymouth Volare | |
| Make | Buick | Plymouth |
| Model | Riviera | Volare |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2870 mm |
