1978 Buick Estate vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 365 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 75 kg more than 1978 Buick Estate. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Estate. (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Estate.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Estate | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 6207 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3170 mm |
