1986 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 22 kg more than 2012 Cadillac CTS.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | S | CTS |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2880 mm |
