1974 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 38 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
