2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW Z4 (343 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1971 Buick Riviera. (311 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 708 kg more than 2006 BMW Z4.
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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (495 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | Z4 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3110 mm |
