1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 BMW 320
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 54 kg more than 2005 BMW 320.
Because 2005 BMW 320 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 2005 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 2005 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | 320 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 221 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2790 mm |
