2009 Cadillac STS vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2009 Cadillac STS. (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Cadillac STS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 605 kg more than 2009 Cadillac STS. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac STS. (369 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac STS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac STS | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | STS | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3599 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2890 mm |
