2003 Acura TL vs. 2006 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2006 Cadillac STS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura TL would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac STS (321 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2003 Acura TL. (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura TL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac STS weights approximately 240 kg more than 2003 Acura TL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Cadillac STS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL, 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, 2006 Cadillac STS (427 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2006 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | Acura | Cadillac |
| Model | TL | STS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 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 | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 66 L |
