1976 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 356 more horse power than 1976 Buick Riviera. (154 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 540 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Buick Riviera. (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
