1978 Buick Electra vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 11 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (192 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 485 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190.
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 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190. (235 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | 190 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2463 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2670 mm |
