1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 41 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 101 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL. (210 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 460 kg more than 1971 Buick Riviera.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL. (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | GL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3076 mm |
