1989 BMW Z1 vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1989 BMW Z1 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1989 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 790 kg more than 1989 BMW Z1. 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW Z1. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW Z1. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | Z1 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3110 mm |
