1980 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 32 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 309 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 530 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.
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 CL (700 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 422 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | CL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 90 L |
