2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 56 kg more than 2003 Cadillac CTS. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac CTS. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2003 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2003 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
