1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Toyota Crown
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Crown. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Crown 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 113 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Crown. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Crown. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 290 kg more than 1979 Toyota Crown. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Crown 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 Toyota Crown. 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Crown. (191 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Crown. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1979 Toyota Crown has manual transmission. 1979 Toyota Crown 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 Toyota Crown | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Riviera | Crown |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2700 mm |
