2009 Cadillac DTS vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Cadillac DTS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac DTS (276 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 325 kg more than 2009 Cadillac DTS.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac DTS, 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, 2009 Cadillac DTS (400 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac DTS | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | DTS | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
