1989 Buick LeSabre vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 344 more horse power than 1989 Buick LeSabre. (149 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 525 kg more than 1989 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Buick LeSabre, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 529 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick LeSabre. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick LeSabre | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LeSabre | SL |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
