1973 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac CTS is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac CTS (266 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 141 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Cadillac CTS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Cadillac CTS (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | S | CTS |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.7 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1751 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 68 L |
