1998 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 368 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 319 kg more than 1998 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 413 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Riviera. (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 88 L |
