1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Riviera (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 66 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Because 1979 Buick LeSabre 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 LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 1979 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2950 mm |
