1978 Buick Estate vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 33 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 380 kg more than 2011 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 Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Estate | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2431 mm |
