1987 Buick Riviera vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1987 Buick Riviera is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Riviera (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Riviera weights approximately 581 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1987 Buick Riviera (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Riviera | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2480 mm |
