1987 Buick Riviera vs. 1999 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Riviera 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 1 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 59 kg more than 1987 Buick Riviera.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (316 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Riviera. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Riviera. 1987 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Riviera | 1999 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
