1996 Buick Park Avenue vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Park Avenue. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Park Avenue would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 165 kg more than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Park Avenue.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Park Avenue | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Park Avenue | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3798 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
