2003 Buick Rendezvous vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Buick Rendezvous is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2003 Buick Rendezvous. (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Buick Rendezvous. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 20 kg more than 2003 Buick Rendezvous. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Buick Rendezvous is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rendezvous will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Buick Rendezvous. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Buick Rendezvous.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Rendezvous | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Rendezvous | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
