1998 Mercedes-Benz CL vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 525 kg more than 1978 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 CL (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
| Model | CL | Century |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5786 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 367 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2760 mm |
