1999 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (305 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1999 Buick Riviera. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1999 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 35 kg more than 1999 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Riviera | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | CLS |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1417 mm |
