1987 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1987 Buick Riviera. (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Riviera weights approximately 151 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Riviera. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Riviera | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2580 mm |
