1991 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 1991 Buick Riviera is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Buick Riviera (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Buick Riviera weights approximately 452 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 Mazda Montrose. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (119 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 1991 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1979 Mazda Montrose has manual transmission. 1979 Mazda Montrose will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1991 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Buick Riviera | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | Montrose |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
