1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. (177 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1968 Buick Riviera.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. (432 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 has manual transmission. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | 500 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1942 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 432 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 111 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 120 L |
