2009 Cadillac STS vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 107 kg more than 2009 Cadillac STS.
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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac STS. (369 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac STS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac STS | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | STS | 450 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3599 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2870 mm |
