1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 281 kg more than 1979 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Riviera | 1979 Ford Fairlane | |
Make | Buick | Ford |
Model | Riviera | Fairlane |
Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 4093 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 124 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 364 Nm | 296 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2950 mm |