1981 Buick Electra vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 192 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
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, 1981 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | CLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
