1988 Buick Skylark vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 16 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1988 Buick Skylark. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 525 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Skylark. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Skylark | CLS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 80 L |
