1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 5 more horse power than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 40 kg more than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 72 L |
