1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 1997 Buick Riviera and 1997 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 521 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
