1972 Buick Centurion vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 40 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1972 Buick Centurion. (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1972 Buick Centurion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 355 kg more than 1972 Buick Centurion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Buick Centurion. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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, 1972 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL. (459 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Centurion | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Centurion | GL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 2425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 3076 mm |
