1981 Buick Electra vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (217 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 63 kg more than 1981 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
