1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 407 kg more than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 100 L |
