1978 Buick Electra vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1978 Buick Electra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 35 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 410 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. 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 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE has manual transmission. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | SE |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2760 mm |
