1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 685 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton 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, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 2366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
