1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 660 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | 318 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 63 L |
