1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 6 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 22 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 604 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1730 mm |
