1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera 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 9 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. (302 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 510 kg more than 1971 Buick Riviera.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (700 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Buick Riviera. (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | GL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3080 mm |
