2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 24 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 20 kg more than 2003 Cadillac CTS.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Cadillac CTS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will offer significantly more control. 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (299 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3563 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 66 L |
