1974 Buick Centurion vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1974 Buick Centurion. (226 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Centurion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Centurion weights approximately 120 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Buick Centurion. (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Buick Centurion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Centurion | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Centurion | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5512 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1950 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 |
