2006 Cadillac STS vs. 2003 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2006 Cadillac STS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,563 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac STS (253 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2003 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac STS weights approximately 367 kg more than 2003 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Cadillac STS 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 2006 Cadillac STS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2006 Cadillac STS (342 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Maxima. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac STS | 2003 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | STS | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3563 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 253 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 342 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2760 mm |
