1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 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 246 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 960 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 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 544 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.

Compare all specifications:

1968 Buick Riviera 1986 Volkswagen Passat
Make Buick Volkswagen
Model Riviera Passat
Year Released 1968 1986
Body Type Coupe Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 7050 cc 1297 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 305 HP 59 HP
Torque 645 Nm 101 Nm
Torque RPM 3200 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 106.2 mm 75 mm
Engine Stroke Size 99.4 mm 73.4 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1900 kg 940 kg
Vehicle Length 5370 mm 4440 mm
Vehicle Width 2020 mm 1690 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1390 mm
Wheelbase Size 3030 mm 2560 mm


 

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