2009 BMW 135 vs. 1998 Buick Riviera

To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 346 kg more than 2009 BMW 135.

Because 2009 BMW 135 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 2009 BMW 135. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Riviera. (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Riviera. 1998 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 135 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 135 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 BMW 135 1998 Buick Riviera
Make BMW Buick
Model 135 Riviera
Year Released 2009 1998
Body Type Convertible Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2979 cc 4130 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 302 HP 125 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 400 Nm 287 Nm
Torque RPM 1300 RPM 2000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 100.7 mm
Engine Stroke Size 89.6 mm 86.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.2:1 8.0:1
Top Speed 250 km/hour 161 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1320 kg 1666 kg
Vehicle Length 4370 mm 5230 mm
Vehicle Width 1420 mm 2040 mm
Vehicle Height 1760 mm 1380 mm
Wheelbase Size 2670 mm 2780 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 53 L 88 L