2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW would be higher. At 6,328 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW (395 HP @ 5160 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 370 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 1979 Mercedes-Benz CW | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | CW |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 6328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5160 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
