1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 62 L |
