2009 Cadillac BLS vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Cadillac BLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Cadillac BLS 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 271 more horse power than 2009 Cadillac BLS. (252 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Cadillac BLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 210 kg more than 2009 Cadillac BLS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac BLS, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 435 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac BLS. (365 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac BLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac BLS | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | BLS | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 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 | 252 HP | 523 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 4.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2585 mm |
