1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1971 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1971 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera 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) has 252 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 925 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 @ 3200 RPM) has 535 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1971 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 40 L |
