2009 Cadillac Escalade vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (332 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 205 kg more than 2009 Cadillac Escalade.
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, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (499 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac Escalade | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escalade | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5999 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 332 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 499 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
