1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 315 kg more than 1978 Buick LeSabre. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick LeSabre | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LeSabre | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
