1976 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 36 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 382 more horse power than 1976 Buick Riviera. (154 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 415 kg more than 1976 Buick Riviera. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 419 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Buick Riviera. (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | CL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2954 mm |
