1976 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 28 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 34 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 486 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2004 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (435 Nm) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6595 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2470 mm |
