1988 Buick Electra vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 215 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2410 mm |
