1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (270 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 72 kg more than 2012 Cadillac CTS. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Cadillac CTS. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2012 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | SL | CTS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.5 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
