1988 BMW 520 vs. 1987 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Riviera 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 21 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 69 kg more than 1987 Buick Riviera.
Because 1988 BMW 520 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 1988 BMW 520. 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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1987 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 520 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
