1997 Buick Century vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (215 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 190 kg more than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century, 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Century | SLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
