1989 Buick Skylark vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML (399 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1989 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 1067 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Buick Skylark. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML (600 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Skylark | 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Skylark | ML |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 399 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 2261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4803 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2141 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1796 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2916 mm |
