1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 21 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2007 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, 2007 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 68 L |
