2008 BMW 330 vs. 1997 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 11 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 195 kg more than 2008 BMW 330.
Because 2008 BMW 330 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 2008 BMW 330. 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 (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1997 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 330 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3791 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
