1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Passat 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) has 256 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 955 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1979 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 563 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1979 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1979 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat
Make Buick Volkswagen
Model Riviera Passat
Year Released 1968 1979
Body Type Coupe Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 7050 cc 1471 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 305 HP 49 HP
Torque 645 Nm 82 Nm
Torque RPM 3200 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 106.2 mm 76.6 mm
Engine Stroke Size 99.4 mm 80 mm
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1900 kg 945 kg
Vehicle Length 5370 mm 4270 mm
Vehicle Width 2020 mm 1620 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 3030 mm 2480 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 75 L 45 L


 

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