1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 333 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2012 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | 300 | CTS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 68 L |
