1991 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1991 Buick Riviera is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fiesta 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 131 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Buick Riviera weights approximately 805 kg more than 1980 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1991 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1991 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Fiesta. 1991 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Fiesta 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 | 1980 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 55.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2300 mm |
