1995 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Buick Riviera 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 92 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Buick Riviera weights approximately 280 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 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 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1995 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Buick Riviera | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
