1970 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 32 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (308 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1970 Buick Riviera. (265 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1970 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 503 kg more than 1970 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Buick Riviera. (522 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Riviera | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 308 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1986 kg | 2489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3010 mm |
