1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 700 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Buick Riviera. (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | W12 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
