2006 Cadillac STS vs. 2003 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2006 Cadillac STS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,556 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac STS (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Cadillac STS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer 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, 2006 Cadillac STS (428 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Explorer. (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Explorer. 2006 Cadillac STS has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Cadillac STS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac STS | 2003 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | STS | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4556 cc | 4014 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 100.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 3490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 85 L |
