1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 23 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.
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, 1989 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
