2008 Acura RL vs. 2009 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,599 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 Acura RL. (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 2008 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac STS weights approximately 361 kg more than 2008 Acura RL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Cadillac STS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL 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, 2009 Cadillac STS (369 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Acura RL. (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura RL | 2009 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | Acura | Cadillac |
| Model | RL | STS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 3599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 64 L |
