1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 GMC Jimmy
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 GMC Jimmy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 GMC Jimmy would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1980 GMC Jimmy. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 GMC Jimmy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 130 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Because 1980 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 GMC Jimmy will offer significantly more control. 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 GMC Jimmy. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 GMC Jimmy.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1980 GMC Jimmy | |
| Make | Buick | GMC |
| Model | Riviera | Jimmy |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2720 mm |
