2003 Acura RSX vs. 2008 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2008 Cadillac STS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura RSX would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac STS (321 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2003 Acura RSX. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac STS weights approximately 590 kg more than 2003 Acura RSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Cadillac STS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX, 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, 2008 Cadillac STS (427 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX. 2008 Cadillac STS has automatic transmission and 2003 Acura RSX has manual transmission. 2003 Acura RSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Cadillac STS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 2008 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | Acura | Cadillac |
| Model | RSX | STS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 1812 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 14.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 66 L |
