2003 Acura CL vs. 2009 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura CL would be higher. At 4,564 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2003 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac STS weights approximately 55 kg more than 2003 Acura CL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Cadillac STS 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 2009 Cadillac STS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL, 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, 2009 Cadillac STS (427 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura CL | 2009 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | Acura | Cadillac |
| Model | CL | STS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 4564 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 3.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 64 L |
