1972 Buick Centurion vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1972 Buick Centurion. (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Centurion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Centurion weights approximately 20 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Buick Centurion. (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Buick Centurion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Centurion | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Centurion | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2520 mm |
