1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen W12 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 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen W12 (600 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 398 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 449 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen W12.
Because 2002 Volkswagen W12 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 Volkswagen W12 (335 Nm) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm). This means 2002 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 2002 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | W12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 5982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 600 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1251 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
