1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 3 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (221 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 185 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Beetle 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2000 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
