1965 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 43 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 @ 4400 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Buick Riviera weights approximately 476 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 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 393 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm). This means 1965 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Buick Riviera | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6966 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 62 L |
