1978 Cadillac Seville vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 370 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 245 kg more than 1978 Cadillac Seville. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 497 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (304 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Cadillac Seville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Seville | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Seville | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 88 L |
