1980 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,030 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 1980 Cadillac Eldorado. (143 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1980 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 500 kg more than 1980 Cadillac Eldorado. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Cadillac Eldorado. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Cadillac Eldorado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Cadillac Eldorado | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eldorado | CL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6030 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2954 mm |
