1995 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1995 Buick Riviera.
Because 2012 BMW 520 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 2012 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Buick Riviera (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Buick Riviera | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | 520 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1462 mm |
