2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 2009 Lexus ES
To start off, 2009 Lexus ES is newer by 6 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 3,441 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus ES (272 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 165 kg more than 2009 Lexus ES.
Because 2003 Cadillac CTS 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 2003 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Lexus ES, 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 Lexus ES (345 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac CTS. 2009 Lexus ES 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. 2009 Lexus ES will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 2009 Lexus ES | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lexus |
| Model | CTS | ES |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 3441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
