1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 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 183 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 475 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Buick Riviera | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Passat |
Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
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 | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 617 Nm | 350 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1565 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2710 mm |