1978 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 6,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 712 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado (433 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Eldorado | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eldorado | 230 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6964 cc | 2308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 433 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 103.1 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 3400 mm |
