2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2013 Cadillac ATS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac ATS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac ATS (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac ATS should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 310 kg more than 2013 Cadillac ATS.
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 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Cadillac ATS. (373 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Cadillac ATS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2013 Cadillac ATS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | SL | ATS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Flex Fuel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4643 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
