| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1979 |
| Production Years: | 1979 - 1985 discontinued in 1985 |
Precise measurements of the 1979 Buick Riviera VI, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5232 mm206.0 in17.2 ft |
The Buick Riviera VI, produced from 1979 to 1985, represents a classic American luxury coupe known for its distinctive style and presence on the road. This sixth-generation Riviera measures a substantial 5232 millimeters (206 inches) in length, making it notably long for a personal luxury coupe of its era. The sizeable length contributes to a spacious and comfortable cabin, typical of Buick's generous interior space during that period. While specific width, height, and weight details are not provided, the overall dimensions reflect the vehicle's grand touring character and emphasis on comfort and style. The Riviera VI's design highlights smooth, flowing lines and a profile that balances elegance with an assertive road stance. With production spanning the early to mid-1980s, this generation bridges the transition from the 1970s styling cues to more modern automotive design elements. Drivers and enthusiasts often appreciate the Riviera VI for its blend of classic luxury and substantial size, features which make it stand out among American coupes. Whether comparing its length to contemporaneous models or modern vehicles, the Buick Riviera VI remains a striking example of large, luxury coupe design in the late 20th century.
Discover the standout features that make the 1979 Buick Riviera VI a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The 1979-1985 Buick Riviera VI has an overall length of 5232 mm (206 inches). While specific factory width and height data can vary slightly by model year and trim, this generation typically measures around 1910 mm (75.2 inches) wide and approximately 1320 mm (52 inches) high. These dimensions reflect its large coupe design, which was characteristic of American personal luxury cars of the era.
The curb weight of the Buick Riviera VI ranges typically between 1800 kg and 2000 kg (approximately 3968 to 4409 lbs), depending on the trim level and options. This weight reflects the car’s large size, heavy build, and substantial luxury features that contribute to its solid road presence but also impact fuel economy.
The Buick Riviera VI offers a spacious, comfortable interior typical of personal luxury coupes of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Passenger space is generous, with ample room for both front and rear passengers in its two-door coupe layout. The trunk space is also respectable, providing utility suitable for long drives and shopping trips, but exact volume estimates typically range near 360-400 liters (12.7 to 14.1 cubic feet), which is competitive for its class.
The wheelbase of the Buick Riviera VI measures approximately 2875 mm (113.2 inches), which provides a stable platform contributing to its smooth and comfortable ride. A longer wheelbase generally enhances ride quality by better absorbing road imperfections but may reduce agility compared to shorter-wheelbase vehicles. Given its luxury coupe positioning, the Riviera prioritizes comfort over sporty handling.
With a length of 5232 mm (206 inches) and a width near 1910 mm (75.2 inches), the Buick Riviera VI is relatively large, but it will fit into a typical standard residential garage, which on average ranges from about 5400 mm to 6000 mm (18 to 20 feet) in length and 2700 mm (9 feet) in width. However, given its size, parking space might be tight, especially in narrower garages or when opening doors.
Compared to the Riviera V (produced 1974-1976), the Riviera VI notably reduced overall length and slightly improved aerodynamics. The predecessor Riviera V had a length exceeding 5400 mm (over 213 inches), making the VI about 17-20 cm (7-8 inches) shorter at 5232 mm (206 inches). This dimensional reduction helped the Riviera VI achieve a lighter weight and improve fuel economy while maintaining interior space, marking a shift toward more efficient design during a time of tightening fuel economy regulations.
The Buick Riviera VI, sized at 5232 mm (206 in) long and approximately 1910 mm (75.2 in) wide, stands among other large American personal luxury coupes like the Cadillac Eldorado and Ford Thunderbird from the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is slightly shorter than the Eldorado, which hovered over 5300 mm (208.7 in) but shares a similarly broad and low stance typical for the class. Stylistically, the Riviera VI adopted a more aerodynamic, squared-off design that set it apart from boxier predecessors and competitors, emphasizing sleek luxury.
The Buick Riviera VI stands approximately 1320 mm (52 inches) tall, contributing to its low-slung coupe profile designed for stability and style. Its ground clearance is moderate, typically around 140-160 mm (5.5-6.3 inches), sufficient for smooth highway riding typical of personal luxury cars. These factors combine to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and road-holding capability, although the car prioritizes comfort over sporty handling agility.
The Buick Riviera VI was offered with several V6 and V8 engines during its production years, including the 3.8L V6 and 5.0L V8 options, paired with 3- or 4-speed automatic transmissions. These powertrains were designed to provide adequate power and smooth performance to move the car’s 1800-2000 kg (3968-4409 lbs) weight efficiently, balancing the car’s size and luxury comfort with reasonable acceleration and cruising capabilities.
Due to its substantial size—5232 mm (206 inches) long and weight between 1800-2000 kg (approx. 4000-4400 lbs)—and engine options, the Buick Riviera VI's fuel economy is moderate by today’s standards. Typical fuel consumption ranges were around 14-17 liters per 100 km (approximately 14-17 mpg US). The larger V8 engines offered more power but consumed more fuel, while the V6 engines improved efficiency somewhat, reflecting the balance between luxury performance and fuel concerns during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Buick