1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2012 BMW 1 Series is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 330 kg more than 2012 BMW 1 Series.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 1 Series. (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 1 Series. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 1 Series has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 1 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2012 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 53 L |
