1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 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 191 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 600 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (285 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 1997 Volkswagen Golf
Make Buick Volkswagen
Model Riviera Golf
Year Released 1968 1997
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 7050 cc 1896 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 305 HP 114 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 645 Nm 285 Nm
Torque RPM 3200 RPM 1900 RPM
Engine Bore Size 106.2 mm 79.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 99.4 mm 95.5 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1900 kg 1300 kg
Vehicle Length 5370 mm 4400 mm
Vehicle Width 2020 mm 1740 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 3030 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 75 L 55 L


 

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