2009 BMW 330 vs. 1997 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 12 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 85 kg more than 2009 BMW 330. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 1997 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 330 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
