2009 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2009 Cadillac CTS. (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 194 kg more than 2009 Cadillac CTS. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac CTS. (536 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5664 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 536 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 274 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
