1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2006 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 15 kg more than 2006 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 320 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 2006 BMW 320. 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, 2006 BMW 320 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2006 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | 320 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 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 | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
