1973 Buick Riviera vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 37 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 80 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 550 kg more than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 278 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
