1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1998 Buick Riviera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Riviera (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 716 kg more than 1984 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, 1998 Buick Riviera (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (158 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. 1998 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1984 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
