Verified Performance Tests Updated May 2026 · 14 recorded runs

Cadillac Seville 0–60 Times

The Cadillac Seville 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 14 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Motor Week and more.

The fastest tested Cadillac Seville is the 1996 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.40 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 14.70 seconds at 96.9 mph, according to Motor Trend.

The slowest tested Cadillac Seville is the 1980 Cadillac Seville Elegante Diesel Sedan, which took 19.70 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 21.50 seconds at 63.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

Out of all the Cadillac Seville tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 9.70 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 16.84 seconds at 85.91 mph.

Fastest 0–60 6.40sec 1996 STS Sedan
Average 0–60 9.70sec Across 14 runs
Avg ¼ Mile 16.84sec @ 85.9 mph trap
Slowest 0–60 19.70sec 1980 Elegante Diesel
1998 Cadillac Seville

Across 14 verified runs, the Cadillac Seville ranges from 6.40 to 19.70 seconds 0–60, with a 9.70-second average.

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Cadillac Seville Performance Overview

Cadillac’s Seville performance record spans 1976 to 1998 in this dataset, covering 14 verified tests across 10 model years. Early Second Generation cars mixed gasoline and diesel power, with naturally aspirated output ranging from 120 to 180 hp; the 1976 Sedan set the initial benchmark at 14.0 seconds to 60 mph. By the Third Generation, the diesel-only 1980 Elegante Sedan marked the slow end of the range at 19.7 seconds, reflecting the model’s broad performance spread from the outset.

The Fourth Generation (1986–1991) shifted the Seville back toward quicker gasoline V8 performance, with the 1986 Elegante Sedan reaching 60 mph in 11.7 seconds and the 1989 STS Sedan cutting that to 8.9 seconds. In the Fifth Generation (1992–1997), naturally aspirated gasoline output grew from 200 to 300 hp, and STS models moved the car into its quickest period: a 1992 STS Sedan ran 0-60 in 8.6 seconds, while the 1996 STS Sedan delivered the all-time best 6.4-second run and a 14.7-second quarter-mile at 96.9 mph.

By the Sixth Generation, represented here by the 1998 STS Sedan, Seville performance remained near its peak with a current-generation best of 6.6 seconds to 60 mph, closing the model’s tested production history as a gasoline-only, naturally aspirated V8 sedan.

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Cadillac Seville 0–60 by generation

5 generations
Generation Years Avg 0–60 Fastest 0–60 Tests Notes
Sixth Generation 1998–2004 6.73s 6.60s — 1998 STS Sedan 3 The Sixth Generation generation (1998–2004) averaged 6.73 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1998 STS Sedan at 6.60 seconds. Output was 300 hp across 4.6L V8 configurations.
Fifth Generation 1992–1997 7.06s 6.40s — 1996 STS Sedan 5 The Fifth Generation generation (1992–1997) averaged 7.06 seconds to 60 mph across 5 tests, led by the 1996 STS Sedan at 6.40 seconds. Output ranged from 200 to 300 hp across 4.6L V8, 4.9L V8 configurations.
Fourth Generation 1986–1991 9.93s 8.90s — 1989 STS Sedan 3 The Fourth Generation generation (1986–1991) averaged 9.93 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1989 STS Sedan at 8.90 seconds. Output ranged from 130 to 180 hp across 4.1L V8, 4.5L V8 configurations.
Third Generation 1980–1985 19.70s 19.70s — 1980 Elegante Diesel Sedan 1 The Third Generation generation (1980–1985) averaged 19.70 seconds to 60 mph across 1 tests, led by the 1980 Elegante Diesel Sedan at 19.70 seconds. Output was 105 hp across 5.7L Diesel V8 configurations.
Second Generation 1976–1979 15.40s 14.00s — 1976 Sedan 2 The Second Generation generation (1976–1979) averaged 15.40 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 1976 Sedan at 14.00 seconds. Output ranged from 120 to 180 hp across 5.7L Diesel V8, 5.7L V8 configurations.
Sixth Generation 1998–2004
Avg 0–60 6.73s
Fastest 6.60s
Tests 3
1998 STS Sedan
The Sixth Generation generation (1998–2004) averaged 6.73 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1998 STS Sedan at 6.60 seconds. Output was 300 hp across 4.6L V8 configurations.
Fifth Generation 1992–1997
Avg 0–60 7.06s
Fastest 6.40s
Tests 5
1996 STS Sedan
The Fifth Generation generation (1992–1997) averaged 7.06 seconds to 60 mph across 5 tests, led by the 1996 STS Sedan at 6.40 seconds. Output ranged from 200 to 300 hp across 4.6L V8, 4.9L V8 configurations.
Fourth Generation 1986–1991
Avg 0–60 9.93s
Fastest 8.90s
Tests 3
1989 STS Sedan
The Fourth Generation generation (1986–1991) averaged 9.93 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1989 STS Sedan at 8.90 seconds. Output ranged from 130 to 180 hp across 4.1L V8, 4.5L V8 configurations.
Third Generation 1980–1985
Avg 0–60 19.70s
Fastest 19.70s
Tests 1
1980 Elegante Diesel Sedan
The Third Generation generation (1980–1985) averaged 19.70 seconds to 60 mph across 1 tests, led by the 1980 Elegante Diesel Sedan at 19.70 seconds. Output was 105 hp across 5.7L Diesel V8 configurations.
Second Generation 1976–1979
Avg 0–60 15.40s
Fastest 14.00s
Tests 2
1976 Sedan
The Second Generation generation (1976–1979) averaged 15.40 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 1976 Sedan at 14.00 seconds. Output ranged from 120 to 180 hp across 5.7L Diesel V8, 5.7L V8 configurations.
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Cadillac Seville 0–60 times by model year

14 tests · 10 years

1998 Cadillac Seville

3 verified runs
Avg 0–60 6.73 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 15.13 sec
Recorded Tests 3
#03
1998 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
6.60sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.00s ¼ mi @ 96.0 mph
0–60 mph
6.60 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.00 sec
Trap Speed
96.0 mph
Engine
4.6L V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
MPG EPA
15 C / 24 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#3 of 14
1998 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
#05
1998 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
6.80sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.30s ¼ mi @ 92.0 mph
0–60 mph
6.80 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.30 sec
Trap Speed
92.0 mph
Engine
4.6L V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
MPG EPA
15 C / 24 H / 20 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#5 of 14
1998 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
#06
1998 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
6.80sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.10s ¼ mi @ 93.2 mph
0–60 mph
6.80 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.10 sec
Trap Speed
93.2 mph
Engine
4.6L V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
MPG EPA
15 C / 24 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#6 of 14
1998 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan

1996 Cadillac Seville

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 6.40 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 14.70 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#01
1996 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
6.40sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.70s ¼ mi @ 96.9 mph
0–60 mph
6.40 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.70 sec
Trap Speed
96.9 mph
Engine
4.6L V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
MPG EPA
15 C / 24 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#1 of 14
1996 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan

1995 Cadillac Seville

3 verified runs
Avg 0–60 6.77 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 15.07 sec
Recorded Tests 3
#02
1995 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
6.40sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.70s ¼ mi @ 96.9 mph
0–60 mph
6.40 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.70 sec
Trap Speed
96.9 mph
Engine
4.6L V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
MPG EPA
15 C / 23 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#2 of 14
1995 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
#04
1995 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
6.60sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.10s ¼ mi @ 95.1 mph
0–60 mph
6.60 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.10 sec
Trap Speed
95.1 mph
Engine
4.6L V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
MPG EPA
15 C / 23 H / 17.5 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Road & Track
Overall Rank
#4 of 14
1995 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
#07
1995 Cadillac Seville SLS Sedan
7.30sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.40s ¼ mi @ 94.4 mph
0–60 mph
7.30 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.40 sec
Trap Speed
94.4 mph
Engine
4.6L V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
MPG EPA
15 C / 23 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#7 of 14
1995 Cadillac Seville SLS Sedan

1992 Cadillac Seville

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 8.60 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.80 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#08
1992 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
8.60sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.80s ¼ mi @ 84.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.60 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.80 sec
Trap Speed
84.0 mph
Engine
4.9L V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
MPG EPA
15 C / 23 H / 19 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#8 of 14
1992 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan

1990 Cadillac Seville

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 9.20 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 17.00 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#10
1990 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
9.20sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
17.00s ¼ mi @ 81.0 mph
0–60 mph
9.20 sec
¼ Mile ET
17.00 sec
Trap Speed
81.0 mph
Engine
4.5L V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
MPG EPA
15 C / 23 H / 14 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#10 of 14
1990 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan

1989 Cadillac Seville

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 8.90 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.80 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#09
1989 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan
8.90sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.80s ¼ mi @ 81.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.90 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.80 sec
Trap Speed
81.0 mph
Engine
4.5L V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
MPG EPA
15 C / 23 H / 20 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#9 of 14
1989 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan

1986 Cadillac Seville

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 11.70 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 18.20 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#11
1986 Cadillac Seville Elegante Sedan
11.70sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
18.20s ¼ mi @ 75.0 mph
0–60 mph
11.70 sec
¼ Mile ET
18.20 sec
Trap Speed
75.0 mph
Engine
4.1L V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
MPG EPA
15 C / 24 H / 20 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#11 of 14
1986 Cadillac Seville Elegante Sedan

1980 Cadillac Seville

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 19.70 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 21.50 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#14
1980 Cadillac Seville Elegante Diesel Sedan
19.70sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
21.50s ¼ mi @ 63.0 mph
0–60 mph
19.70 sec
¼ Mile ET
21.50 sec
Trap Speed
63.0 mph
Engine
5.7L Diesel V8
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Diesel
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#14 of 14
1980 Cadillac Seville Elegante Diesel Sedan

1979 Cadillac Seville

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 16.80 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 21.10 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#13
1979 Cadillac Seville Diesel Sedan
16.80sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
21.10s ¼ mi @ 68.3 mph
0–60 mph
16.80 sec
¼ Mile ET
21.10 sec
Trap Speed
68.3 mph
Engine
5.7L Diesel V8
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
3A
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Diesel
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#13 of 14
1979 Cadillac Seville Diesel Sedan

1976 Cadillac Seville

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 14.00 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 19.00 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#12
1976 Cadillac Seville Sedan
14.00sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
19.00s
0–60 mph
14.00 sec
¼ Mile ET
19.00 sec
Trap Speed
Engine
5.7L V8
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
3A
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Road & Track
Overall Rank
#12 of 14
1976 Cadillac Seville Sedan

How we verify Cadillac Seville performance data

We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Cadillac Seville trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.

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Cadillac Seville 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster
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Cadillac Seville performance FAQs

11 questions
The 1998 Cadillac Seville STS reaches 60 mph in 6.6 to 6.8 seconds across three verified runs. Its quickest quarter-mile is 15.0 seconds at 96 mph, with other runs at 15.1 seconds at 93.2 mph and 15.3 seconds at 92 mph.
The quickest Cadillac Seville on record is the 1996 Seville STS Sedan, which runs 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds. It also holds the best quarter-mile result for the model at 14.7 seconds with a 96.9 mph trap speed.
The fastest stock Cadillac Seville is also the overall fastest one tested: the 1996 STS Sedan at 6.4 seconds from 0-60 mph. There are 14 Seville tests on record, and all 14 are production vehicles, so no modified result changes that ranking.
Across 14 verified Cadillac Seville tests, the average 0-60 mph time is 9.7 seconds. The average quarter-mile is 16.67 seconds at 85.9 mph. Results range from a quickest 6.4-second 0-60 run to a slowest 19.7-second run.
The Sixth Generation Cadillac Seville, sold from 1998 to 2004, averages 6.73 seconds from 0-60 mph. Its quickest recorded run is 6.6 seconds, set by the 1998 STS Sedan. All three tests from this generation are gasoline, naturally aspirated cars rated at 300 hp.
The fastest Fifth Generation Cadillac Seville is the 1996 STS Sedan at 6.4 seconds from 0-60 mph. That generation spans 1992 to 1997 and averages 7.06 seconds across five tests, making it the quickest Seville generation on record.
The Fourth Generation Cadillac Seville, covering 1986 to 1991, averages 9.93 seconds from 0-60 mph across three tests. Its best result is 8.9 seconds, recorded by the 1989 STS Sedan. All recorded examples from this generation are naturally aspirated gasoline models.
Cadillac Seville performance in the 1980s varies widely by generation. The Third Generation entry on record, a 1980 Elegante Diesel Sedan, needs 19.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. Fourth Generation cars from 1986 to 1991 are much quicker, averaging 9.93 seconds and dipping to 8.9 seconds.
The fastest Cadillac Seville STS tested is the 1996 STS Sedan, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds. Across nine STS Sedan tests, the average 0-60 time is 7.37 seconds, so the 1996 car stands as the quickest example of the Seville's best-known trim.
The STS is quicker on record. STS Sedan models average 7.37 seconds to 60 mph across nine tests, with a best of 6.4 seconds. The only SLS Sedan test recorded runs 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds, so the STS owns both the stronger average and the quicker best run.
The Cadillac Seville averages 16.67 seconds in the quarter-mile at 85.9 mph across all 14 tests. The quickest Seville quarter-mile on record is the 1996 STS Sedan at 14.7 seconds and 96.9 mph. For 1998 specifically, the STS runs between 15.0 and 15.3 seconds.

Sources

Car and Driver
Motor Trend
Motor Week
Road & Track

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Cadillac Seville can do, not a single marketing claim.

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Other Cadillac 0–60 times

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