1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Polo 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 246 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 880 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. 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 Polo, 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 528 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (117 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Polo |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
