2009 Cadillac DTS vs. 1988 Ford Sierra
To start off, 2009 Cadillac DTS is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac DTS (292 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac DTS weights approximately 620 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Sierra 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 1988 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac DTS, 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, 2009 Cadillac DTS (391 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra. 2009 Cadillac DTS has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac DTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac DTS | 1988 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | DTS | Sierra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2620 mm |
