1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 12 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 460 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
