1983 BMW 525 vs. 1987 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1987 Buick Riviera is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Riviera (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Riviera weights approximately 251 kg more than 1983 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1983 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1987 Buick Riviera (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 525. (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 525. 1987 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1987 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 525 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
