2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1997 Buick Park Avenue
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Park Avenue. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Park Avenue would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Buick Park Avenue. (240 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Park Avenue. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 250 kg more than 1997 Buick Park Avenue. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Park Avenue, 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 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Park Avenue. (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Park Avenue.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 1997 Buick Park Avenue | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
| Model | S | Park Avenue |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 3798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
