1997 Buick Century vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 328 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 401 kg more than 1997 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 449 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Century | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1921 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
