1978 Buick Electra vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 25 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
