2008 Nissan Altima vs. 2013 Cadillac CTS

To start off, 2013 Cadillac CTS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac CTS (314 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 238 kg more than 2008 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2013 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 2013 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2013 Cadillac CTS (373 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Altima. 2013 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Nissan Altima 2013 Cadillac CTS
Make Nissan Cadillac
Model Altima CTS
Year Released 2008 2013
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2491 cc 3600 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 175 HP 314 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 6800 RPM
Torque 244 Nm 373 Nm
Torque RPM 3900 RPM 4900 RPM
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1540 kg 1778 kg
Vehicle Length 4830 mm 4859 mm
Vehicle Width 1800 mm 1842 mm
Vehicle Height 1480 mm 1473 mm
Wheelbase Size 2780 mm 2880 mm
Fuel Consumption 7.5 L/100km 8.7 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 10.4 L/100km 13 L/100km
Fuel Consumption Overall 9.2 L/100km 11.2 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 76 L 68 L