1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 34 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (309 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 506 kg more than 1968 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Buick Riviera. (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 2406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
