1981 Cadillac Seville vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1981 Cadillac Seville is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 310 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Cadillac Seville, 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, 1981 Cadillac Seville (284 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Cadillac Seville | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Seville | SL |
Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 284 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |