1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 13 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 374 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (630 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
