1988 Buick Skylark 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 Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 3,331 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (174 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1988 Buick Skylark. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 515 kg more than 1988 Buick Skylark. 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 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, 1988 Buick Skylark (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Skylark | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
