1963 Buick Riviera vs. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Buick Riviera (321 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1065 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Buick Riviera 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 1963 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1963 Buick Riviera (603 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 493 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Buick Riviera | 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
