1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 40 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 50 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 647 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 1972 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | GTI |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
