1973 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1973 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 165 kg more than 2012 BMW X3.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Buick Riviera. (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | X3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 67 L |
