1965 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Buick Riviera (288 HP) has 229 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1071 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1965 Buick Riviera (603 Nm) has 508 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (95 Nm). This means 1965 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. 1965 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1965 Buick Riviera | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Jetta |
Year Released | 1965 | 1980 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6966 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 288 HP | 59 HP |
Torque | 603 Nm | 95 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.2:1 |
Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 825 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 40 L |