1997 Cadillac Seville vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Seville (275 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (270 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Seville should accelerate faster than 2012 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 3 kg more than 1997 Cadillac Seville.
Because 2012 Cadillac CTS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Seville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Cadillac Seville (408 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Cadillac CTS. 1997 Cadillac Seville has automatic transmission and 2012 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2012 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Cadillac Seville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Seville | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Cadillac | Cadillac |
| Model | Seville | CTS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4788 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2880 mm |
