1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 227 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 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) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (226 Nm). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 62 L |
