1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 64 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (287 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
| Model | 350 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 59 L |
