To me, the main difference between the cartels and the mob are their interaction with civilians.

The mob makes money from civilians via extortion, loan sharking, and gambling.

The cartels are focused on moving large amounts of drugs, so they don't need to interact with the civilians in a business relationship. They are dependent on the civilians in their town to keep their whereabouts quiet, so they tend not to prey on the local community. Many high level cartel members are wanted by the Mexican government and are living openly in towns where they have the support of the people and the local law enforcement.