1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 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 157 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 569 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. (279 Nm). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 2801 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
