1973 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 270 kg more than 1973 Buick Riviera.
Because 1973 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 1973 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1973 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
