1996 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Cadillac Eldorado (301 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 5 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Cadillac Eldorado (406 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1996 Cadillac Eldorado has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Cadillac Eldorado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Eldorado | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eldorado | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
