1998 Buick Century vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1998 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Century.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Century | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Century | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 90 L |
