1978 Buick Regal vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Regal would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (563 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 459 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 231 kg more than 1978 Buick Regal. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 431 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Regal | SLS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 563 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1661 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1938 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2680 mm |
