1994 BMW M3 vs. 1987 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1994 BMW M3 is newer by 7 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, 1994 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1987 Buick Riviera. (150 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Riviera weights approximately 36 kg more than 1994 BMW M3.
Because 1994 BMW M3 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 1994 BMW M3. 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, 1994 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Riviera. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Riviera. 1987 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1994 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1994 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M3 | 1987 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
