1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 405 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2004 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, 2004 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| 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 | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
