1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 BMW 730
To start off, 2012 BMW 730 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, 2012 BMW 730 (244 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 730 weights approximately 275 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 2012 BMW 730 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 730. 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, 2012 BMW 730 (540 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 2012 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | 730 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 82 L |
