1979 Buick Century vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century.
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 SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Century | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |
