1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1972 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 477 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
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 Passat, 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 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Buick Riviera | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Passat |
Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 250 HP | 280 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 518 Nm | 349 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1563 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |