1988 Buick Electra vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (215 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 10 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Electra | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2720 mm |
