1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac CTS 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 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 35 more horse power than 2013 Cadillac CTS. (314 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2013 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 48 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2013 Cadillac CTS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS will offer significantly more control. 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 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Cadillac CTS. (373 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | SL | CTS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 314 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1868 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4859 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 | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.5 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
