1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 11 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
