1978 Buick Century vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 278 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 475 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Century | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Century | SL |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3213 cc | 5500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 382 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 217 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1905 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4582 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1298 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |