1991 Buick Riviera vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 1991 Buick Riviera. (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1991 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 525 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 2006 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 2006 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 545 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Buick Riviera | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | SL |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
