1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 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 82 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 216 kg more than 2012 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
