1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 71 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (240 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 130 kg more than 1971 Buick Riviera.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (616 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 S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | S |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 616 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3165 mm |
