1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 109 kg more than 1968 Buick Riviera. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Buick Riviera. (645 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | SL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 2009 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
