1998 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 418 kg more than 1998 Buick Riviera. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Riviera. (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Buick Riviera | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Routan |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4130 cc | 3600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 283 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6350 RPM |
Torque | 287 Nm | 352 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 2084 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5144 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1953 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1750 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3078 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 78 L |