1991 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1991 Buick Riviera. (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1991 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 249 kg more than 1991 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Buick Riviera. 1991 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1991 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1991 Buick Riviera | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Riviera | SL |
Year Released | 1991 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 4971 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 315 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 468 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1769 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |