1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Subaru Coupe
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Subaru Coupe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Subaru Coupe 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 131 more horse power than 1979 Subaru Coupe. (71 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Subaru Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 765 kg more than 1979 Subaru Coupe. 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Subaru Coupe. (125 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Subaru Coupe. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1979 Subaru Coupe has manual transmission. 1979 Subaru Coupe 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 Subaru Coupe | |
| Make | Buick | Subaru |
| Model | Riviera | Coupe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2470 mm |
