2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 2004 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 92 kg more than 2003 Cadillac CTS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 2004 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | CTS | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1712 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 68 L |
