1998 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 14 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, 1998 Buick Riviera (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1164 kg more than 1998 Buick Riviera.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. 1998 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | A |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 60 L |
