1999 Buick Regal vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Buick Regal is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick Regal (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 655 kg more than 1999 Buick Regal.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Buick Regal (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Regal | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Regal | S |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2870 mm |
