1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Cadillac Catera would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (613 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 413 more horse power than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 240 kg more than 1996 Cadillac Catera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 739 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Cadillac Catera. 1996 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Catera | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2585 mm |
