2004 Cadillac CTS vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Cadillac CTS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 2004 Cadillac CTS. (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 648 kg more than 2004 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 S (570 Nm) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Cadillac CTS. (298 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac CTS | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2890 mm |
