1971 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Cadillac Escalade
To start off, 2011 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 1259 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, 2011 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Cadillac Escalade | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | SL | Escalade |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 403 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 2619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5662 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1857 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3302 mm |
