1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 132 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 890 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Buick Riviera | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 73.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2410 mm |