1999 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Buick Estate
To start off, 1999 Buick Riviera is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick Riviera (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 175 kg more than 1999 Buick Riviera.
Because 1979 Buick Estate 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 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Estate. (275 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Estate.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Riviera | 1979 Buick Estate | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Estate |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
