1996 BMW 840 vs. 1997 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 840. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 840 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 59 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 840 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 840. 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, 1996 BMW 840 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 1997 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 840 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
