1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 25 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2870 mm |
