1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 11 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 @ 5000 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. 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 561 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1979 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1979 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1979 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
