1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 40 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, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1972 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 120 kg more than 2012 BMW 535.
Because 2012 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 will offer significantly more control. 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 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 535. (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | 535 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
