1963 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 49 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 151 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Buick Riviera weights approximately 527 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 363 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1963 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 1963 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Beetle |
Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6571 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 321 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 603 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1333 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |