1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 354 more horse power than 1972 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 80 kg more than 1972 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 482 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Buick Riviera. (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
