1998 Buick Riviera vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 8 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 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 119 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1998 Buick Riviera (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | SLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 65 L |
