1988 Buick Electra vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (174 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 145 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2860 mm |
