2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 3 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 365 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (531 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac CTS. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2003 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2003 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 90 L |
