1978 Buick Electra vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 31 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 475 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2440 mm |
