1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 41 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 660 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | SLK |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
