1988 Buick Electra vs. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 200 kg more than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE has manual transmission. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | SE |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2760 mm |
