GM takes strange approach to compare itself to Mercedes 10/04/2011
General Motors recently pitted its Cadillac Escalade against a Mercedes-Benz C300 to prove that American-made luxury can outperform German engineering. However, the two vehicles were not evenly matched, so it could be said that GM cheated a bit to secure the victory.
The C300 was an entry-level model with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that generates about 228 horsepower, while its competitor was equipped with a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8, according to AutoBlog. The phrase "apples and oranges" may come to mind, and it's not far off. Torque News reports that GM was only trying to show consumers that Cadillac can stand up against foreign luxury cars, but a fair fight would've done more to prove they were worthy competitors.
The drag race was shorter than the standard 1,000 or more feet of track, so the Mercedes wouldn't have had much chance to catch up, even if the two vehicles were evenly, or even closely, matched.
One thing the race did accomplish was to show that the Escalade can tow the losing Mercedes with no trouble, as the video shows the host driving off in the Caddy with the C300 on a flatbed trailer behind it.