1996 BMW 540 vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, both 1996 BMW 540 and 1996 Buick Riviera were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 35 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 1996 BMW 540 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 1996 BMW 540. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 540 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
