1992 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Buick Century
To start off, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (231 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 260 kg more than 1979 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (268 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Buick Century | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
| Model | SL | Century |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 268 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
