1984 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1984 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1984 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 455 kg more than 1984 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Buick Electra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Buick Electra. (264 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Buick Electra | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | SL |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2560 mm |
