1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 2 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. (309 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 365 kg more than 1971 Buick Riviera.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Buick Riviera. (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4920 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2890 mm |
