1985 Buick Wildcat vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Buick Wildcat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Buick Wildcat would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1985 Buick Wildcat. (355 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Buick Wildcat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 730 kg more than 1985 Buick Wildcat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Buick Wildcat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Buick Wildcat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Buick Wildcat. (551 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Buick Wildcat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Buick Wildcat | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Wildcat | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 551 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 289 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
