1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 199 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. (192 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz G. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 Mercedes-Benz G has manual transmission. 1980 Mercedes-Benz G will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1980 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | G |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
