1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 300 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
