1990 BMW Z1 vs. 1997 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1990 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 450 kg more than 1990 BMW Z1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW Z1 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 Z1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW Z1. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW Z1 | 1997 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | Z1 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
