2009 Cadillac Escalade vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2009 Cadillac Escalade. (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Cadillac Escalade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 559 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2009 Cadillac Escalade is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac Escalade 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac Escalade. (565 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac Escalade.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac Escalade | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Escalade | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6161 cc | 7291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 403 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 565 Nm | 766 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.3 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2609 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 70 L |
