2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,880 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 Buick Lucerne. (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Buick Lucerne. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 73 kg more than 2009 Buick Lucerne. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2009 Buick Lucerne has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Lucerne | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3880 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
