1959 Cadillac Fleetwood vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood would be higher. At 6,382 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood (325 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood weights approximately 817 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 Fleetwood (583 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fleetwood | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6382 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 583 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2572 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6160 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2060 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3810 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
