1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 BMW M5
To start off, 2012 BMW M5 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 M5 (560 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera.
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, 2012 BMW M5 (680 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Buick Riviera. (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2012 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | M5 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 680 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1455 mm |
