2005 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1974 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 340 kg more than 2005 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW M3. (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW M3. 1974 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1974 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 95 L |
