2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 9 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 3,563 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS (252 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 292 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Mazda 3, 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, 2003 Cadillac CTS (346 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 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. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | CTS | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3563 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
