1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 12 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 89 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 382 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Sharan. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
