1988 Ford Sierra vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 778 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Cadillac CTS (232 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra. 2009 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Sierra | 2009 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Ford | Cadillac |
| Model | Sierra | CTS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1788 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2890 mm |
