1959 BMW 700 vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1040 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 700 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 BMW 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (52 Nm). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 700 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 3789 cc |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2820 mm |
