1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2004 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2004 Cadillac CTS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 510 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2004 Cadillac CTS (232 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2004 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2004 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | SLK | CTS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 83.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 68 L |
