2005 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 9 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP) has 175 more horse power than 2005 Buick LaCrosse. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 462 kg more than 2005 Buick LaCrosse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Buick LaCrosse. (312 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Buick LaCrosse | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LaCrosse | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3786 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 375 HP |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 16.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
