1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2012 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 205 kg more than 2012 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 118 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 118. 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 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 118. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | 118 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 51 L |
