2009 BMW 550 vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,798 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 40 kg more than 2009 BMW 550.
Because 2009 BMW 550 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 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 550 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4798 cc | 3789 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 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 | 1660 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
