2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2003 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 328 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 285 kg more than 2003 Cadillac CTS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 385 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2003 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Cadillac |
| Model | CLS | CTS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6207 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 507 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.2 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1905 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
