1971 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 8,190 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1971 Cadillac Eldorado. (223 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 325 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1971 Cadillac Eldorado (744 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1971 Cadillac Eldorado has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Cadillac Eldorado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Cadillac Eldorado | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eldorado | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 8190 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 744 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 109.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 109.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2110 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2585 mm |
