1991 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1991 Buick Riviera. (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1991 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 646 kg more than 1991 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (431 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Buick Riviera | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 2166 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2890 mm |
