1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1951 Mercury Roadster
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercury Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercury Roadster 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 197 more horse power than 1951 Mercury Roadster. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercury Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 350 kg more than 1951 Mercury Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1951 Mercury Roadster | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Riviera | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1951 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 3990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2960 mm |
