1965 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 39 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1965 Buick Riviera. (288 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1965 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 270 kg more than 1965 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1965 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (430 Nm). This means 1965 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. 1965 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6966 cc | 4171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.8 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 2166 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
