1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 38 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 136 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 455 kg more than 2009 BMW 520. 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 267 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 520. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | 520 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1750 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2890 mm |
