1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle is newer by 12 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 29 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle. (173 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 330 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle 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, 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle 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, 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle (315 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2009 Volkswagen Caravelle | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Caravelle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2460 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1960 mm |
