1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2001 BMW Z8
To start off, 2001 BMW Z8 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1971 Buick Riviera. (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 455 kg more than 2001 BMW Z8.
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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW Z8. (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW Z8. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW Z8 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW Z8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2001 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | Z8 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2580 mm |
