1980 Buick Electra vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 770 kg more than 1980 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | GL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 100 L |
