1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 8 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 20 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riviera | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
