1995 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Datsun 280
To start off, 1995 Buick Riviera is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun 280 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Buick Riviera (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1979 Datsun 280. (140 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Buick Riviera weights approximately 428 kg more than 1979 Datsun 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Datsun 280 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 Datsun 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Buick Riviera (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun 280. (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun 280. 1995 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1979 Datsun 280 has manual transmission. 1979 Datsun 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Buick Riviera | 1979 Datsun 280 | |
| Make | Buick | Datsun |
| Model | Riviera | 280 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
