1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (415 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 842 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 2366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2850 mm |
