1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 6 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (141 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 295 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano (316 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | Viano |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1880 mm |
