1979 Buick Estate vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 30 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Estate. (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Estate.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Estate | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
