1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Cadillac ATS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac ATS is newer by 15 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac ATS (268 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac ATS 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 280 kg more than 2013 Cadillac ATS.
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 Cadillac ATS (353 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac ATS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 Cadillac ATS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | SL | ATS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.5 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4643 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
