1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 281 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 @ 2400 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Riviera | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Jetta |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 364 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4557 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1781 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1504 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |