1999 Buick LeSabre vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1999 Buick LeSabre is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick LeSabre (203 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 15 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Buick LeSabre, 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, 1999 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick LeSabre | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LeSabre | 280 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
