1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 156 more horse power than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (149 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 600 kg more than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 449 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | SL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 52 L |
