1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (219 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 160 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | 380 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
