1980 Buick Electra vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 33 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (523 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 400 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 155 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 522 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 523 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2585 mm |
