1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 37 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1972 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 815 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | GL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 100 L |
