2003 Buick Century vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Buick Century is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Century (176 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 90 kg more than 2003 Buick Century.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Buick Century, 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, 2003 Buick Century (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Century | 1979 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Century | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3134 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 85 L |
