1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 BMW X5
To start off, 2012 BMW X5 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 X5 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1972 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X5 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1972 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X5 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 X5 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 X5. (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 X5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 2012 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | X5 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3000 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2933 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 85 L |
