1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 39 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (518 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1972 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 100 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (699 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Buick Riviera. (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | CLS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
