1978 Buick Electra vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra 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) has 19 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 305 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | 230 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2810 mm |
