1976 Buick Riviera vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1976 Buick Riviera is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,595 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 405 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1976 Buick Riviera (435 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Buick Riviera | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Riviera | SL |
Year Released | 1976 | 1971 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6595 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 182 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 435 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |