1990 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 Cadillac Eldorado is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,473 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Cadillac Eldorado (177 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 60 kg more than 1990 Cadillac Eldorado.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Cadillac Eldorado (325 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Cadillac Eldorado | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eldorado | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4473 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2870 mm |
