1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 15 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 426 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LeSabre | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
