1963 Buick Riviera vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 33 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 258 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (63 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Buick Riviera weights approximately 825 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo, 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 479 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (124 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1963 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. 1963 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Buick Riviera | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Polo |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
