1973 Buick Centurion vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1973 Buick Centurion. (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Centurion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Centurion weights approximately 121 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Buick Centurion. (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Buick Centurion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Centurion | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Centurion | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2076 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2570 mm |
