1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Touareg (216 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 514 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Touareg. (310 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Touareg. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Touareg has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Touareg will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 2002 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2214 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 100 L |
