1995 Buick Riviera vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1995 Buick Riviera is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Buick Riviera (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Buick Riviera weights approximately 722 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1995 Buick Riviera (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (133 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1995 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. 1995 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1985 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Buick Riviera | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
