1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera 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 86 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (219 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 300 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. 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 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | 420 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2460 mm |
