2004 BMW 318 vs. 1999 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick Riviera (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick Riviera weights approximately 310 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 318 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 1999 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1999 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
