1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 42 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 143 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 595 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2013 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Buick Riviera | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Jetta |
Year Released | 1971 | 2013 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 311 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 617 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1445 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4628 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1778 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1453 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2651 mm |