1989 Buick Skylark vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1989 Buick Skylark is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1989 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 441 kg more than 1989 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Skylark | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Skylark | 450 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2820 mm |
