2009 Cadillac STS vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Cadillac STS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Cadillac STS would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Ford Explorer. (290 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 507 kg more than 2009 Cadillac STS.
Because 2009 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 2009 Cadillac STS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer, 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 STS (369 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac STS | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | STS | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
