2004 Cadillac CTS vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Cadillac CTS is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac CTS (396 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 70 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2004 Cadillac CTS (536 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac CTS | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 536 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2870 mm |
