2008 Cadillac STS vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Cadillac STS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Cadillac STS would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac STS (321 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac STS weights approximately 370 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Cadillac STS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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 STS (427 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (181 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac STS | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | STS | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3900 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 | 1812 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.5 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 65 L |
