1999 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick Riviera (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick Riviera weights approximately 350 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1999 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Riviera | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
