1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Volkswagen Multivan
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Multivan is newer by 34 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 2005 Volkswagen Multivan. (129 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Multivan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Multivan weights approximately 234 kg more than 1971 Buick Riviera.
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, 2005 Volkswagen Multivan, 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 @ 2600 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Multivan. (335 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Multivan. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Multivan has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Multivan 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Multivan | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Multivan |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2274 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3010 mm |
