1978 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 31 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 347 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 602 kg more than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. (433 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Cadillac Eldorado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Eldorado | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eldorado | CL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6964 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 433 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2230 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2960 mm |
