Cadillac CTS vs Cadillac STS: Difference and Comparison

Cadillac, a flagship brand of General Motors, is known for its innovative range of luxury cars. Known for its smooth silk ride, Cadillac has had many models over the years which look alike. The class and excellence of the cars are world-famous. Cadillac CTS and Cadillac STS are no exceptions either.

Key Takeaways

  1. The Cadillac CTS is smaller and lighter than the Cadillac STS, making it more agile and fuel-efficient.
  2. The Cadillac STS has a more luxurious interior than the Cadillac CTS, with more advanced technology features and smoother ride quality.
  3. The Cadillac CTS is designed to be a sporty, performance-oriented vehicle, while the Cadillac STS is geared more towards comfort and luxury.

Cadillac CTS vs Cadillac STS

The Cadillac CTS is a mid-size luxury sedan that was first introduced in 2002 and has undergone several redesigns over the years, with the latest model being the third generation CTS that was produced from 2014-2019. The Cadillac STS is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced from 2004-2011.

Cadillac CTS vs Cadillac STS

Cadillac CTS is a mid-sized executive car. General Motors duly manufactured it and marketed it from 2003 to 2019. It was indeed marketed across three generations, and all three generations had different versions of CTS. The second generation saw three body styles of the car

  • 4-Door Sedan
  • 2-Door Coupe
  • 5-Door Sport Wagon

Cadillac STS is a mid-sized luxury car manufactured by General Motors. The company marketed the car between 2005 to 2011.

Moreover, the same car version was sold in China between 2006 and 2013. It is a 4-Door Sedan. The incredible technology paved the way to design the car with Six-Speed automatic transmission.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonCadillac CTSCadillac STS
Maximum Speed7200 RPM6700 RPM
WheelsMade out of an Alloy metalCast Aluminum and Flow-formed Aluminum
GearsSixFive
EngineMade from Sand Cast AluminumCast and Semi-permanent Mold Aluminum
Transmission8-Speed Automatic6- Speed Automatic

What is Cadillac CTS?

It is an excellent Mid-Sized Sedan manufactured by General Motors. Marketed in different versions from the year 2003, Cadillac CTS is named for its incredible performance over the years. This model runs through three generations successfully in different styles.

A very strong rival for the medium-sized Sedans, Cadillac CTS is named for its strong competition to the BMWs and the Mercedes Benz C-Class. The model, indeed, maintains the size of an E-Class. Many experts worked on designing cars over the generations.

Wayne K Cherry and Kip Wasenko designed the first-generation cars’ exteriors. Mr Cherry was the car designer for General Motors from 1962 to 2004. He retired as Vice President – Design in the year 2004.

Bob Boniface and Robin Kreig designed the most talked-about Third Generation Cadillac CTS exterior.  

The first-generation Cadillac CTS models were manufactured between 2003 and 2007. Started its modelling in the year 2002, the first-generation Cadillac CTS was the CTS-V.

The sedan was built on RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive). The then available transmission was the six-speed Tremec T56, and the sedan was equipped with this at that time.

The second-generation CTS saw a sea change in the design as well as the technological features of the sedan. The CTS – V in the second generation was built on the GM Sigma II platform. The Coupe and Sport wagon were unveiled during this period.

The Third Generation cars were mere Sedans that gave tough competition to the world’s top brands. Four-wheel drive was introduced during the period 2014 to 2019.

cadillac cts

What is Cadillac STS?

Cadillac STS is a remodelled version of Cadillac Seville that was in the top run between 1975 to 2004. Cadillac STS is indeed a smaller version of the Seville. This is the first sedan to have Four Wheel drive in the whole world.

STS meaning Seville Touring Sedan is a high-performance luxury car that was assembled in the same factory where the smaller CTS was assembled. The high performance of the Seville and Magnetic Ride Control is still retained in the STS.

While this was designed, modelled, and manufactured between 2004 and 2011, the luxury car was also marketed in China. It was named Cadillac SLS. SLS – Seville Luxury Sedan. Considered smaller than the DTS, the Cadillac STS is the most expensive car of the era.

The Cadillac STS using the Rear Wheel Drive GM Sigma Platform surpassed the earlier version of the Front Wheel Drive. The model underwent a slight modification in the exterior. This happened in the year 2008. The change of look of the car happened in China too.

One of the models of Cadillac STS, the STS – V, is a high-performance executive car. It was introduced at the Auto Show that happened in Detroit. This model was successful until it was discontinued in the year 2009.

cadillac sts

Main Differences Between Cadillac CTS and Cadillac STS

  1. The main difference between the Cadillac CTS and Cadillac STS is the transmission. Cadillac CTS is equipped with 8-Speed Automatic Transmission in the latest versions, while the Cadillac STS is still equipped with 6-Speed Automatic Transmission.
  2. There is a difference in the Fuel Economy too. Cadillac CTS offers up to 30 Miles Per Gallon, while STS offers up to 27 Miles per Gallon. This being on the highway, the city drive varies as well. The former offers 22 MPG and the latter 18 MPG.
  3. The interiors mark a difference in comfort. The front seat legroom of the Cadillac CTS is 45.7 inches, while that of the STS is 42.6 inches. At the same time, the front seat headroom also differs. 40.4 inches to 38.7 inches, respectively.
  4. Cadillac CTS has MacPherson Strut front suspension, while the Cadillac STS has an independent suspension, and that makes the car more comfortable than the former.
  5. The more important brake assist that the luxury cars normally have is not available in the Cadillac CTS, while the STS models well and truly own it.
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References
  1. http://www.real-programmer.com/interesting_things/IEEE%20SpectrumThisCarRunsOnCode.pdf
  2. http://jyanet.com/cap/2002/0316fe0.pdf

Last Updated : 25 June, 2023

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25 thoughts on “Cadillac CTS vs Cadillac STS: Difference and Comparison”

  1. I appreciate the depth of information provided about the Cadillac CTS and Cadillac STS. It really shows the level of craftsmanship in these cars.

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