1959 Cadillac 62 vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Cadillac 62. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac 62 would be higher. At 6,381 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac 62 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac 62 (325 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac 62 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac 62 weights approximately 658 kg more than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1959 Cadillac 62 (583 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Cadillac 62 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 1959 Cadillac 62 has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Cadillac 62 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Cadillac 62 | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 62 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6381 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 583 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2218 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2950 mm |
