2001 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 198 kg more than 2001 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Highlander. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Toyota | Cadillac |
| Model | Highlander | CTS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2362 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 68 L |
