2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2013 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac CTS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2013 Cadillac CTS. (266 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2013 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 69 kg more than 2013 Cadillac CTS. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2013 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | CLS | CTS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4663 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 402 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1417 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
