1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 118 kg more than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | 450 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 68 L |
