1970 Buick Riviera vs. 1982 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Buick Riviera (265 HP) has 206 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1046 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1970 Buick Riviera (522 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Riviera | 1982 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1986 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2560 mm |
