1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2011 Cadillac CTS is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 467 kg more than 2011 Cadillac CTS.
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, 2011 Cadillac CTS (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | S | CTS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2215 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2880 mm |
