1979 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 453 more horse power than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 560 kg more than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (999 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 634 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado. (365 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Cadillac Eldorado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Cadillac Eldorado | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eldorado | CL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 2280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 5105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2954 mm |
