1996 Buick LeSabre vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1996 Buick LeSabre. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 400 kg more than 1996 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick LeSabre. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick LeSabre | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LeSabre | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
