1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 14 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 156 kg more than 2011 BMW 325.
Because 2011 BMW 325 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 2011 BMW 325. 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 325. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Riviera | 325 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 63 L |
