From the Archive: 1979 Buick Riviera S Type tested:
Whether or not the new, improved V-6 will be judged appropriate for a big road car is yet to be seen. There are demands on the driver and compensations to be made. The turbo V-6 in our test car had a nervous twitch at idle that anyone brought up on well-behaved V-8s would find disconcerting. Also, the power-to-weight ratio of the Riviera with either the turbo V-6 or the normally aspirated 350-cubic-inch V-8 is depressing at best. Dial in the 2.
Buick engineers assure us that some spark knock during wide-open-throttle operation means the detonation detector is working just as it should. This device actually listens for pre-ignition and signals Buick's "Turbo Control Center" when to advance or retard ignition timing for best performance.
Old values die hard, and America hasn't yet kicked its fat-torque-curve habit. Interestingly enough, the turbo engine does have a higher peak output than the conventional 350 V-8, which is the only engine alternative offered in the Riviera. Side by side in a drag race, the normally aspirated car immediately steps out to a one-car-length lead off the line. The Turbo Riv gradually overcomes this handicap and draws even at 60 mph.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Where Buick Fits in the Growing US-China Clash—If AnywhereDeteriorating diplomatic relations could impact the American brand’s long history in China.
Read more »
Roe vs. Wade lawyer Linda Coffee’s abortion case archive sells at auction for $615kA collector has purchased records and mementoes that belonged to Linda Coffee, one of two lawyers for the woman known as Jane Roe in the landmark abortion...
Read more »
Remains found in Snohomish County over 40 years ago identifiedA set of human remains that were found in Snohomish County in 1979 have been identified as those of an Everett man who had gone missing.
Read more »
Joseph Zucchero, owner of Mr. Beef in River North, inspiration for restaurant in ‘The Bear,’ diesJoseph Zucchero, who opened Mr. Beef, known for its Italian beef sandwiches and most recently the model for the TV show 'The Bear,' in the River North neighborhood in 1979, has died. He was 69.
Read more »
'Need A Car? Date Our Son' ads raise questions, go viralThe ads, very likely a movie marketing campaign, offer a 2004 Buick Regal in exchange for finding a suitor for a college\u002Dbound teenager
Read more »
2009 Nissan GT-R vs. BMW M3 and Porsche 911 TurboFrom the Archive: A BMW and a Porsche help us to see where the radical Nissan GT-R fits into the automotive landscape.
Read more »