1972 BMW 3 vs. 1968 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 4 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 630 kg more than 1972 BMW 3. 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 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:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1968 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 3 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 7050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 645 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 106.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 99.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
