1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1999 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 140 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (316 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
