2004 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2004 Cadillac CTS. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Cadillac CTS.
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 S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Cadillac CTS. (300 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Cadillac CTS. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3173 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
