1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 BMW 118
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 37 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 655 kg more than 2008 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 317 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2008 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | 118 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2670 mm |
