1996 Buick LeSabre vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Buick LeSabre is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick LeSabre (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1996 Buick LeSabre.
Because 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick LeSabre | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LeSabre | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
