1978 Buick Century vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1978 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Century | 420 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3080 mm |
