1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Buick Regal
To start off, 2012 Buick Regal 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Buick Regal. (220 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 141 kg more than 2012 Buick Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Regal, 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, 2012 Buick Regal (352 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Buick Regal | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
| Model | S | Regal |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 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 Weight | 1806 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4831 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2738 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 68 L |
