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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1971 Buick Riviera. (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 405 kg more than 1971 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL.
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 | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 384 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2445 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 |
