1976 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 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 6,595 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 660 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (435 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Buick Riviera | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Golf |
Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6595 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 182 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 435 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4148 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1735 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2512 mm |