1980 BMW M5 vs. 1968 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1980 BMW M5 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1980 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 509 kg more than 1980 BMW M5. 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 341 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1968 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M5 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 7050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 645 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 106.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 99.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
