1984 Buick Skylark vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1984 Buick Skylark is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1984 Buick Skylark. (123 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1984 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1984 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Buick Skylark, 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Buick Skylark. (203 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Buick Skylark | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Skylark | 280 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |
