1987 Buick Skylark vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 388 more horse power than 1987 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1040 kg more than 1987 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 582 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Skylark | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Skylark | S |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3165 mm |
