Interesting comparison of big 7ltr V8 monsters from the 1960's and 1970's.
In the 60s, performance was achieved for the upper class and in sports cars due to large displacement. In the 70s, big V8s even arrived in the middle of society, at least in the US. By way of example, we asked four displacement giants from three countries for comparison: Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special, Iso Grifo 7 Litri and Pontiac Catalina. Each of the four displacement giants brings something else that makes them special. The Cadillac sees itself as a luxury item. The Iso delivers a lot of power in grandiose form. The Pontiac offers plenty of room to live. The serious 450 SEL 6.9 finally lives for his and his engine .
Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special: With style and class
The white Fleetwood stands tall and glistening bright like an iceberg. In the long bow works a velvety, whisper-quiet V8. With 429 cubic inch displacement, it measures just over seven liters. The main task of the Cadillac V8: always deliver enough power, but never too much. With its approximately 265 DIN PS, the Ami flies in 10 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h. The passengers sitting in the rear seat with their legs crossed hear nothing. The Cadillac spoils you with solid comfort, Fleetwood-specific materials and a range of smart technology features. The "Sentinel Light" working with a photocell automatically fades the light up and down, the "Speed Reminder" briefly hardens the accelerator pedal when the speed selected by "Cruise Control" is reached. Of course, the trunk lid opens at the touch of a button. Windows, even the small triangular windows, and bench function electrically. And over the rough annoyances of everyday life, the fluffy soft suspension sets a suspension bed of cotton wool.
The cockpit in the widescreen format shines with glitter design and noble style.
Cruise control on the left. The knurling wheel determines the speed (in miles).
The extended wheelbase of the 60 Special creates a lot of space in the second row.
Big engine, great silence. The 7.0-liter V8 runs almost inaudible.
In 1967, Fleetwood still carries fins. The name identifies the top four-door.
Conclusion: Regardless of the model, Cadillac's design and technology are among the best produced in the 1960s. Even today, both are a pleasure, but there is a need for maintenance and repair specialists, spare parts are usually expensive (shipping, customs). A lot of space needs a Cadillac anyway.
Iso Grifo 7 Litri: Lots of muscle
Neither the grandiose styling nor the handling of the Iso Grifo in 1969 were still up to date. And the angry V8 does not make the fine Gran Turismo a super sports car, But the high-density seven-liter is what Chevy fans have in mind when they say Big Block. 1966 appeared the 427-ci V8 for the first time in the Corvette. With special manifolds and his own oil pan, he somehow fit in the Iso Grifo three years later. No question, with the seven-liter it will be tight in Iso. For air filter and radiator, the space was no longer enough under the hood, which is the reason for the dramatic ventilation hood, called Penthouse. The raw power of the engine seems to swell the 7 Litri out of all pores. The crouched line with broad shoulders, suggested roll bar and evil look from twin headlights is a great 1960s Bertone movie theater.
Giorgetto Giugiaro created the powerful form for Bertone. In slalom the Grifo needs a firm hand, the steering is tough.
Dream car cockpit à la mode. In addition to power, the Grifo also offers luxury. Eight watches carry the Iso in the dashboard. Speedometer up to 320 km / h.
Lots of leather and light. Comfortable armchair in front, just a niche under the rear window.
The hot 427-cubic-inch V8 delivers roughly estimated 300 DIN horsepower.
The momentum in the rear end gives the GT form additional tension.
Conclusion: A Grifo 7 Litri is considered the culmination of the Iso range, in terms of performance and appearance he meets Ferrari and Co at eye level. The dream car status also includes a small number and prices, which are now often over 300,000 euros. Chassis and body are very rusty, iso spare parts rare.
Pontiac Catalina Safari: Size matters
Pontiac Cataline Safari: 2.3 tonnes of glass, steel, chrome and plastic, about 200 hp from a fat 7.5 liter displacement.
For us middle class in the mid-1970s looked like a record D - in the US like a Pontiac Catalina Safari. 2.3 tonnes of glass, steel, chrome and plastic and about 200 hp from a fat 7.5 liters displacement. Already the sheer size slams viewers with European viewing habits. Then comes the extra bold appearance: Put the key in the lock next to the tailgate, turn and the rear window whirs up into the roof, at the same time the door rattles into the floor of the car. "Glide-away tailgate" GM called the design, which should facilitate loading in a small space. A label on the made of extra cheap hard plastic dashboard refers to "Radial Tuned Suspension". Meaning that radial tires and stabilizers are standard on board. All in all, the feeling of well-being is leveling off at highway-compliant 65 mph, So 110 km / h, a. Roll straight and let go long distances in soft cushions and soft dampers - that's the Pontiac.
Everything plastic, even the "wood". The cockpit is easy to operate.
Enough luggage space for the world trip. And there is a room under the loading area.
Window and tailgate of the "Glide-away Tailgate" drive into the body.
Full Size also front: The 7.5-liter V8 is a sluggish engine giant.
Chassis tuning ex works: Radial tires on Rostyle wheels.
Conclusion: The safari offers plenty of space, a simple and solid drive technology - and the glide-away tailgate guarantees a really big performance. Unfortunately, their mechanics are vulnerable, and the whole thing never really tight. In addition, there is a fuel consumption, which is therefore thoughtful to lovers.
Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9: More is hardly possible
Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9: solidity and safety, the S-Class offensively flaunting.
Claiming to have been the best car of its time, the "six-neo-rider" approached this comparison. Exact 6834 cm3 measures the displacement of the last expansion stage of the M-100 engine. In the crowded engine compartment, only V8 air filters and cylinder banks jut into the tangle of pipes, hoses, shafts, containers and accessories. A miracle that the hood actually closes again. When the door has closed, the world and the engine are left out. Still and powerful puts the eight-cylinder. Getting on with it, lifting his voice at a brisk pace just blubbering. Only the big Mercedes manages to deliver unrestrained high speeds - in conjunction with the velvety, well-calculated hydropneumatic suspension, the 6.9 is also recommended as a driver's car. In the center console sit outdoor temperature and ammeter, orange switches tighten and loosen straps. The fabric of the seats comes from the W 108, behind worked a prototype of the electrically adjustable seat. Much helps a lot: This motto applies to the Mercedes not only in engine capacity.
The S-Class displays its solidity and safety offensively. The 6.9 drives sufficient mobile phone.
Lots of wood and blue plastic: The charm of the cockpit is of the sober sort.
Automatic is obligatory at the six-nine. But these switches are special.
When the boss wants to rest, he pulls the curtain in 1st class compartment.
Great comfort in wide armchairs. Even in the front, the 6.9 makes it comfortable for the occupants.
As the only engine in the field, the epoch-making M 100 shows real enthusiasm.
Conclusion: 40 years ago he was a technical miracle, today radiates the nimbus of the formerly best and fastest Mercedes hardly less bright. Its disadvantage is high costs for type-specific spare parts, rust-proof sheet metal and the risk of damage to standing still. Important: Do not be dazzled!
Overall Test Conclusion:
A Cadillac beats a Mercedes - that we are allowed to experience it! And it is not even on the (small) engine capacity Plus that the Fleetwood 60 Special in the final bill a few points in front of the "six-nine" can push. The great Ami trumps the imposing Swabia just on its ancestral areas of competence: in quality, comfort and technology.
In the 60s, performance was achieved for the upper class and in sports cars due to large displacement. In the 70s, big V8s even arrived in the middle of society, at least in the US. By way of example, we asked four displacement giants from three countries for comparison: Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special, Iso Grifo 7 Litri and Pontiac Catalina. Each of the four displacement giants brings something else that makes them special. The Cadillac sees itself as a luxury item. The Iso delivers a lot of power in grandiose form. The Pontiac offers plenty of room to live. The serious 450 SEL 6.9 finally lives for his and his engine .
Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special: With style and class
The white Fleetwood stands tall and glistening bright like an iceberg. In the long bow works a velvety, whisper-quiet V8. With 429 cubic inch displacement, it measures just over seven liters. The main task of the Cadillac V8: always deliver enough power, but never too much. With its approximately 265 DIN PS, the Ami flies in 10 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h. The passengers sitting in the rear seat with their legs crossed hear nothing. The Cadillac spoils you with solid comfort, Fleetwood-specific materials and a range of smart technology features. The "Sentinel Light" working with a photocell automatically fades the light up and down, the "Speed Reminder" briefly hardens the accelerator pedal when the speed selected by "Cruise Control" is reached. Of course, the trunk lid opens at the touch of a button. Windows, even the small triangular windows, and bench function electrically. And over the rough annoyances of everyday life, the fluffy soft suspension sets a suspension bed of cotton wool.
The cockpit in the widescreen format shines with glitter design and noble style.
Cruise control on the left. The knurling wheel determines the speed (in miles).
The extended wheelbase of the 60 Special creates a lot of space in the second row.
Big engine, great silence. The 7.0-liter V8 runs almost inaudible.
In 1967, Fleetwood still carries fins. The name identifies the top four-door.
Conclusion: Regardless of the model, Cadillac's design and technology are among the best produced in the 1960s. Even today, both are a pleasure, but there is a need for maintenance and repair specialists, spare parts are usually expensive (shipping, customs). A lot of space needs a Cadillac anyway.
Iso Grifo 7 Litri: Lots of muscle
Neither the grandiose styling nor the handling of the Iso Grifo in 1969 were still up to date. And the angry V8 does not make the fine Gran Turismo a super sports car, But the high-density seven-liter is what Chevy fans have in mind when they say Big Block. 1966 appeared the 427-ci V8 for the first time in the Corvette. With special manifolds and his own oil pan, he somehow fit in the Iso Grifo three years later. No question, with the seven-liter it will be tight in Iso. For air filter and radiator, the space was no longer enough under the hood, which is the reason for the dramatic ventilation hood, called Penthouse. The raw power of the engine seems to swell the 7 Litri out of all pores. The crouched line with broad shoulders, suggested roll bar and evil look from twin headlights is a great 1960s Bertone movie theater.
Giorgetto Giugiaro created the powerful form for Bertone. In slalom the Grifo needs a firm hand, the steering is tough.
Dream car cockpit à la mode. In addition to power, the Grifo also offers luxury. Eight watches carry the Iso in the dashboard. Speedometer up to 320 km / h.
Lots of leather and light. Comfortable armchair in front, just a niche under the rear window.
The hot 427-cubic-inch V8 delivers roughly estimated 300 DIN horsepower.
The momentum in the rear end gives the GT form additional tension.
Conclusion: A Grifo 7 Litri is considered the culmination of the Iso range, in terms of performance and appearance he meets Ferrari and Co at eye level. The dream car status also includes a small number and prices, which are now often over 300,000 euros. Chassis and body are very rusty, iso spare parts rare.
Pontiac Catalina Safari: Size matters
Pontiac Cataline Safari: 2.3 tonnes of glass, steel, chrome and plastic, about 200 hp from a fat 7.5 liter displacement.
For us middle class in the mid-1970s looked like a record D - in the US like a Pontiac Catalina Safari. 2.3 tonnes of glass, steel, chrome and plastic and about 200 hp from a fat 7.5 liters displacement. Already the sheer size slams viewers with European viewing habits. Then comes the extra bold appearance: Put the key in the lock next to the tailgate, turn and the rear window whirs up into the roof, at the same time the door rattles into the floor of the car. "Glide-away tailgate" GM called the design, which should facilitate loading in a small space. A label on the made of extra cheap hard plastic dashboard refers to "Radial Tuned Suspension". Meaning that radial tires and stabilizers are standard on board. All in all, the feeling of well-being is leveling off at highway-compliant 65 mph, So 110 km / h, a. Roll straight and let go long distances in soft cushions and soft dampers - that's the Pontiac.
Everything plastic, even the "wood". The cockpit is easy to operate.
Enough luggage space for the world trip. And there is a room under the loading area.
Window and tailgate of the "Glide-away Tailgate" drive into the body.
Full Size also front: The 7.5-liter V8 is a sluggish engine giant.
Chassis tuning ex works: Radial tires on Rostyle wheels.
Conclusion: The safari offers plenty of space, a simple and solid drive technology - and the glide-away tailgate guarantees a really big performance. Unfortunately, their mechanics are vulnerable, and the whole thing never really tight. In addition, there is a fuel consumption, which is therefore thoughtful to lovers.
Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9: More is hardly possible
Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9: solidity and safety, the S-Class offensively flaunting.
Claiming to have been the best car of its time, the "six-neo-rider" approached this comparison. Exact 6834 cm3 measures the displacement of the last expansion stage of the M-100 engine. In the crowded engine compartment, only V8 air filters and cylinder banks jut into the tangle of pipes, hoses, shafts, containers and accessories. A miracle that the hood actually closes again. When the door has closed, the world and the engine are left out. Still and powerful puts the eight-cylinder. Getting on with it, lifting his voice at a brisk pace just blubbering. Only the big Mercedes manages to deliver unrestrained high speeds - in conjunction with the velvety, well-calculated hydropneumatic suspension, the 6.9 is also recommended as a driver's car. In the center console sit outdoor temperature and ammeter, orange switches tighten and loosen straps. The fabric of the seats comes from the W 108, behind worked a prototype of the electrically adjustable seat. Much helps a lot: This motto applies to the Mercedes not only in engine capacity.
The S-Class displays its solidity and safety offensively. The 6.9 drives sufficient mobile phone.
Lots of wood and blue plastic: The charm of the cockpit is of the sober sort.
Automatic is obligatory at the six-nine. But these switches are special.
When the boss wants to rest, he pulls the curtain in 1st class compartment.
Great comfort in wide armchairs. Even in the front, the 6.9 makes it comfortable for the occupants.
As the only engine in the field, the epoch-making M 100 shows real enthusiasm.
Conclusion: 40 years ago he was a technical miracle, today radiates the nimbus of the formerly best and fastest Mercedes hardly less bright. Its disadvantage is high costs for type-specific spare parts, rust-proof sheet metal and the risk of damage to standing still. Important: Do not be dazzled!
Overall Test Conclusion:
A Cadillac beats a Mercedes - that we are allowed to experience it! And it is not even on the (small) engine capacity Plus that the Fleetwood 60 Special in the final bill a few points in front of the "six-nine" can push. The great Ami trumps the imposing Swabia just on its ancestral areas of competence: in quality, comfort and technology.
