1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1971 Buick Riviera is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220.
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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 475 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 has manual transmission. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | 220 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2850 mm |
