1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 1998 Buick Riviera and 1998 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 11 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 335 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Riviera. (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 62 L |
