2009 Nissan Altima vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 270 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 302 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 2012 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 2012 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Cadillac CTS. (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Nissan | Cadillac |
| Model | Altima | CTS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 68 L |
