1990 BMW 850 vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 850 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 1990 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 850 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 850 | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 850 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 75 L |
