1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. (195 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 23 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | 300 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 68 L |
