1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 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 35 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (270 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 352 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (370 Nm). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 370 Nm |
| 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 | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
