2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 350 kg more than 1997 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, 2003 Cadillac CTS (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2410 mm |
