1981 Buick Estate vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1981 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 5 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Estate. (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Estate.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Estate | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
