2004 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick LaCrosse (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 145 kg more than 2004 Buick LaCrosse.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2004 Buick LaCrosse (311 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick LaCrosse | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LaCrosse | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2520 mm |
