1976 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1976 Buick Riviera. (154 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 270 kg more than 1976 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton. (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 2035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2890 mm |
