1970 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 42 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 @ 4600 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Riviera weights approximately 586 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2012 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, 1970 Buick Riviera (522 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 1970 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Riviera | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1986 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2578 mm |
