2001 BMW 320 vs. 1989 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Riviera (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 56 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Because 2001 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 2001 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 2001 BMW 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1989 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 320 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
