1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 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 34 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 176 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. 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 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | 260 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2940 mm |
