1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (203 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | C |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2760 mm |
