1974 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1974 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Riviera.
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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | S |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 90 L |
