1972 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1972 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 840 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Buick Riviera. (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | W12 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
