2009 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1999 Buick Riviera. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick Riviera weights approximately 380 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Because 2009 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Buick Riviera. 1999 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1999 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1400 mm |
