2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2006 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2006 Cadillac CTS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 314 more horse power than 2006 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 231 kg more than 2006 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 568 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Cadillac CTS. (232 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2006 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | SL | CTS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2025 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
