2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 228 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 Cadillac CTS (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | C | CTS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 68 L |
