1973 Buick Riviera vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1973 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 240 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Buick Riviera. (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Buick Riviera | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Riviera | SL |
Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 250 HP | 376 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 518 Nm | 580 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
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 | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |