1974 Buick Riviera vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 32 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 136 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 641 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 346 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
