1968 Cadillac DeVille vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Cadillac DeVille. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Cadillac DeVille would be higher. At 7,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Cadillac DeVille is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Cadillac DeVille (228 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Cadillac DeVille should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Cadillac DeVille weights approximately 725 kg more than 1971 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, 1968 Cadillac DeVille (712 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 472 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1968 Cadillac DeVille will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Cadillac DeVille | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DeVille | SL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7734 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2085 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2410 mm |
