1974 Buick Riviera vs. 1993 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1993 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 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 187 more horse power than 1993 Volkswagen Golf. (63 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1993 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 805 kg more than 1993 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Volkswagen Golf. (124 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Volkswagen Golf. 1974 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1993 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1993 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1993 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2480 mm |
