2003 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Cadillac CTS-V. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac CTS-V would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS-V (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS-V should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 460 kg more than 2003 Cadillac CTS-V.
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, 2003 Cadillac CTS-V (529 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS-V | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS-V | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |
