1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 40 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) has 105 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 564 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen GTI. 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, 2008 Volkswagen GTI, 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 364 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2008 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | GTI |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2580 mm |
