2008 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Maxima is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 3,598 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac CTS (304 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Maxima. (290 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 184 kg more than 2012 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Cadillac CTS 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 2008 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2008 Cadillac CTS (370 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Maxima. (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | CTS | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3598 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 304 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
