1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1979 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 640 kg more than 1979 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mazda RX-7 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 RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda RX-7. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1979 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1979 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Buick Riviera | 1979 Mazda RX-7 | |
Make | Buick | Mazda |
Model | Riviera | RX-7 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2292 cc |
Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1060 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1270 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2430 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |