1978 Buick Electra vs. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S
To start off, 1978 Buick Electra is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 475 kg more than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (112 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S has manual transmission. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | 170S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2760 mm |
