1978 Cadillac Seville vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 30 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 387 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 65 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (304 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Cadillac Seville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Seville | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Seville | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 80 L |
