2009 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Maxima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2009 Cadillac CTS. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2009 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 184 kg more than 2012 Nissan Maxima.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2012 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac CTS. (300 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | CTS | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3175 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
