1978 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 340 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. (433 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Eldorado | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eldorado | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6964 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 433 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 103.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2520 mm |
