1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 36 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 125 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 436 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 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 410 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (235 Nm). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2004 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
