1988 Buick Skylark vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 18 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 Buick Skylark. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 580 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1988 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Skylark | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
