2008 Cadillac CTS vs. 2003 Cadillac CTS-V
To start off, 2008 Cadillac CTS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Cadillac CTS-V. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac CTS-V would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS-V (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2008 Cadillac CTS. (304 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS-V should accelerate faster than 2008 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 45 kg more than 2003 Cadillac CTS-V.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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-V (529 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Cadillac CTS. (370 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Cadillac CTS. 2008 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 2003 Cadillac CTS-V has manual transmission. 2003 Cadillac CTS-V will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac CTS | 2003 Cadillac CTS-V | |
| Make | Cadillac | Cadillac |
| Model | CTS | CTS-V |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3598 cc | 5666 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 304 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 529 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 66 L |
