1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (220 HP) has 18 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Because 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 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 Pontiac Trans Am. 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, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (434 Nm) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1979 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 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 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 220 HP |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2750 mm |
