2008 Cadillac CTS vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Cadillac CTS is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 178 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2008 Cadillac CTS (233 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac CTS | 1979 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1788 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 85 L |
