2008 Cadillac CTS vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (523 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 2008 Cadillac CTS. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 285 kg more than 2008 Cadillac CTS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Cadillac CTS is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 537 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Cadillac CTS. (263 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac CTS | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 523 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2585 mm |
