1997 Cadillac Seville vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Seville (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Seville should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 65 kg more than 1997 Cadillac Seville.
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, 1997 Cadillac Seville, 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, 1997 Cadillac Seville (408 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1997 Cadillac Seville has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Cadillac Seville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Seville | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Seville | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2520 mm |
