1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 695 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (305 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2520 mm |
