1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
| Model | S | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4965 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 68 L |
