Car-on-car competition involving a Cadillac De Ville and a Diplomat B Cabriolet from Opel
Cadillac De Ville Convertible and Opel Diplomat B Cabriolet: A Comparative Analysis
The Cadillac De Ville Convertible and the Opel Diplomat B Cabriolet, two iconic cabriolets of the highest class, share a common allure but have distinct differences that set them apart.
First introduced in 1959 as part of the Series 63, the Cadillac De Ville was inspired by the success of the Coupe De Ville and Sedan De Ville. The Diplomat, on the other hand, was the top model of the Kad-Baureihe, with production commencing in 1971.
The Cadillac De Ville Convertible boasts a larger size, with a length, width, and height greater than that of the Opel Diplomat B Cabriolet. This American glider for long distances and journeys embodies luxurious cruising and the American way of driving like no other "street cruiser". In contrast, the German model impresses with its relatively compact dimensions, a more fuel-efficient injection engine, and lighter weight, which lends it remarkable agility.
In terms of specifications, the Cadillac De Ville Convertible boasts a displacement of 7030 cm3, compared to the Opel's 2753 cm3. The American model also produces more power, with 250 kW/340 PS, compared to the Opel's 121 kW/165 PS. However, the Opel Diplomat B Cabriolet has a higher torque of 225 Nm, compared to the Cadillac's 651 Nm.
Both vehicles are equipped with 3-stage automatic transmissions and rear-wheel drive. The Cadillac De Ville Convertible has a top speed of 196 km/h and a fuel consumption of 15-25 l/100 km, while the Opel Diplomat B Cabriolet has a top speed of 185 km/h and a fuel consumption of 15-17 l/100 km.
The Cadillac De Ville Convertible was produced in quantities of 19,200 in 1965, while the Opel Diplomat B Cabriolet was produced in only 4 units. The Diplomat was offered as a coupe from February 1965, with only 347 vehicles produced until July 1967.
The Era of KAD Models finally ended in July 1977, when the Diplomat was the last representative of the series to be discontinued. The Cadillac De Ville Convertible, however, continued to be produced until 1970. In 1977, the Calais series was discontinued, making the De Ville, in both coupe and sedan versions, Cadillac's base model.
The base price of the Cadillac De Ville Convertible in 1965 was 5639 USD, while the approximate base price of the Opel Diplomat B Cabriolet in 1971 was 70,000 Marks.
The Coupe de Ville-style bodies have a rich history, with numerous coachbuilding companies in the U.S. and Europe producing them for various luxury car chassis, including Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Packard, up until World War II. Post-WWII, Cadillac models dubbed Coupe de Ville emerged in 1949, but these did not technically qualify as Coupe de Villes as they featured a unified, fully-enclosed driver and passenger compartment.
In conclusion, the Cadillac De Ville Convertible and the Opel Diplomat B Cabriolet offer unique experiences, each with its own charm and character. While the Cadillac embodies luxury and power, the Opel impresses with its agility and fuel efficiency. Despite their differences, both vehicles are exceptional examples of cabriolet design and engineering.
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