1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 39 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (248 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 380 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
