1991 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1991 Buick Riviera. (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1991 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Buick Riviera weights approximately 182 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1991 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1991 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 1991 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1991 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Buick Riviera | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2580 mm |
