1986 Cadillac Allante vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Cadillac Allante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Cadillac Allante would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1986 Cadillac Allante. (169 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Cadillac Allante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 300 kg more than 1986 Cadillac Allante. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Cadillac Allante, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Cadillac Allante. (324 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Cadillac Allante.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Cadillac Allante | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Allante | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4087 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
