2002 Cadillac CTS vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac CTS (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (94 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 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, 2002 Cadillac CTS (296 Nm) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (271 Nm). This means 2002 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 2002 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2002 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac CTS | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | SLK |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 88 L |
