1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (613 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 308 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 50 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Buick Riviera. (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Buick Riviera. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | SL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2585 mm |
