1974 BMW 518 vs. 1963 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1974 BMW 518 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Buick Riviera (321 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Buick Riviera weights approximately 620 kg more than 1974 BMW 518. 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, 1963 Buick Riviera (603 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 457 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518. 1963 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1963 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 518 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 6571 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
