2002 Cadillac CTS vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2002 Cadillac CTS is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,173 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac CTS (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 3 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 2002 Cadillac CTS (296 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2002 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac CTS | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | 280 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3173 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1618 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 95 L |
