1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 15 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 288 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
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 @ 2400 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | GTI |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
