2009 Cadillac STS vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,599 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 50 kg more than 2009 Cadillac STS.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Cadillac STS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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 STS (369 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac STS | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Cadillac | Toyota |
| Model | STS | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3599 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 73 L |
