2006 Cadillac STS vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Cadillac STS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Cadillac STS 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 104 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac STS weights approximately 542 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. 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, 2008 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, 2006 Cadillac STS (342 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2006 Cadillac STS has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 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 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | STS | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3563 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 253 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 342 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
