1989 Buick Skylark vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4
To start off, 1989 Buick Skylark is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 weights approximately 156 kg more than 1989 Buick Skylark.
Because 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 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 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Buick Skylark (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (186 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Skylark | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Skylark | 230.4 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2760 mm |
