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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 163 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1700 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 | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 207 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1537 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |