1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 44 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 39 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | SL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
