1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 785 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | Z3 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3110 mm |
