1974 Buick Riviera vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 695 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 1974 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
