1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 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 155 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 1996 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) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 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 | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
