1986 Buick Electra vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (261 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1986 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1986 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 146 kg more than 1986 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Buick Electra. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Electra | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | S |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2950 mm |
