USA vs USA — 1957 vs 1948
| Series 62 Coupe de Ville | Series 62 Sedanette Fastback | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 400 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,390 cc | 5,670 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 120 mph | 100 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.4 sec | 19.5 sec |
| Weight | 4,600 lbs | 4,300 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,302 mm | 3,264 mm |
| Length | 5,613 mm | 5,537 mm |
| Units Produced | 23,808 | 7,734 |
| Original MSRP | $5,116 | $2,728 |
| Value (Excellent) | $95,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 6/10 |
On balance, the 1957 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette Fastback counters with lighter weight, greater rarity, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1957 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville for outright capability, or the 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette Fastback for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Cadillac Series 62. The 1957 and 1948 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1957 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville holds a clear advantage in raw power with 300 hp compared to 150 hp, a 150-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Cadillac Series 62 uses a V8 OHV displacing 6,390 cc, while the Cadillac Series 62 relies on a V8 L-head (Cadillac 346) with 5,670 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1957 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville edges ahead at 10.5 seconds versus 14.0 seconds. The Cadillac Series 62 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 300 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.