2004 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2004 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2004 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 20 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Cadillac CTS. (232 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Cadillac CTS. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2004 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2004 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | CLS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
