1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1140 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm) has 568 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (77 Nm). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 40 L |
