My observation 99STS vs 03STS

mgturbo1 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-09, 07:55 PM

I had a 99 STS, sold it, purchased a 03 STS. Seems to me the 99 performed (acceleration) much better than the 03 even though they both have the same HP & Torque ratings.

Having said that, the 03 with Mag Ride handles way way better.

Comments or opinions

.

iametarq · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-09, 10:21 AM

Interesting. Wonder if it feels that way due to the mag ride?

Caddyshack100 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-09, 10:28 AM

Two thoughts.... the 99 was the last year for the 'high' compression ratio although I don't think it would have much of an effect, the other thought is, the PAL system within the car may not be adapted to you yet, Given some more time it probably will come up to 'expectations' (I think its PAL or is it PAS )

submariner409 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-09, 10:41 AM

Curious - according to graphs posted in this forum recently the 2001 STS plots faster in the 0-60 and 1/4 times than the 99. The 2003 is not plotted.

The difference between CVRSS and Magnetic Ride Control is profound. I have extensively driven both suspensions and for all intents and purposes they are two different cars. The MRC really shines when you go crazy stupid on back country roads. As I have found, it will let you scrub off a set of tires in short order - BUT these are FWD cars, so there is a limit to their road racing abilities.

PAS (Performance Algorithm Shifting) kicks in when the car senses roll, pitch, yaw, braking, and throttle openings indicating that the car is being driven aggressively and then goes into a different set of transmission control programs which changes shift points, downshift points, and holds engine speeds up in the rpm range during hard cornering. You may never feel this mode engage unless you are comfortable driving at insane speeds on twisty roads.

(EDIT: Go back 5 pages in this (Seville) Forum and find the thread "Fastest Eldorado". Look at the links in Posts 4 & 7. Save the links or copy the images to your Cadillac Info files.)

STSS · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-09, 11:18 AM

My 01 STS will outrun my dads current 99, and from videos I have of his first 99, it would have outrun that one too.

That said, I would rather have a "slower" 03 with mag ride.... The search continues for the right one.

ryannel2003 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-09, 06:54 PM

I've clocked my '00 STS at 0-60 in 6.5 seconds several times. I've driven '99's however and they did seem to have a little more oomph, but it's been 2 years since driving one so I would have to do it again to see if that holds true.

But yes I will agree the MRC is much, much improved over CVRSS. Had a chance to drive a Crimson '03 STS about 3 months ago and it feels alot tighter and more controlled than my STS ever has. If I wouldn't have lost my butt on my '00 I would have traded for it ASAP.

STSS · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-09, 07:10 PM

I dont want to drive one until Im ready to buy it.... Mag ride is going to make my 01 feel like a dump truck.

mgturbo1 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-09, 08:23 PM

MAG RIDE RULES!!!!!
I live in the mountains of East TN and yes I drive crazy. If you have ever heard of "The Dragon" that runs in TN and NC, I live only a short drive away. I haven't had the 03 there yet. Will have to wait til late fall when all tourist leave the area.

BUY AN 03!! YOU WILL LOVE IT.

ryannel2003 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-02-09, 08:49 PM

When I first got my car I took it up and down Seven Devil's and all through
Grandfather Mountain I was shocked at well it handled. I was suspecting that since it was FWD and 4000lbs it wasn't going to handle all that well. I can imagine that the MRC is like 10x better.

Raze · #10 (**permalink**) 07-03-09, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgturbo1

mag ride rules!!!!!
I live in the mountains of east tn and yes i drive crazy. If you have ever heard of "the dragon" that runs in tn and nc, i live only a short drive away. I haven't had the 03 there yet. Will have to wait til late fall when all tourist leave the area.

buy an 03!! You will love it.

until you have to replace those shocks and struts!!!!

SPreston2001 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-03-09, 10:05 PM

Actually Raze magne-ride's are cheaper to replace than CVRSS shocks & struts. I know it sounds crazy but its true.

tman2093 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-04-09, 04:22 AM

Next time our paths cross Ryan, we should race ours with video. 99 vs 00.

Raze · #13 (**permalink**) 07-04-09, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPreston2001

Actually Raze magne-ride's are cheaper to replace than CVRSS shocks & struts. I know it sounds crazy but its true.

If you're talking about the difference between F45 and F55 of $12-80 when each strut costs over $650 each for either type you're splitting hairs, I was making a comment about the relative cost of ACDelco suspension parts for any of these cars...

ryannel2003 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-04-09, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tman2093

Next time our paths cross Ryan, we should race ours with video. 99 vs 00.

Yeah we'll definitely have to do that. It will be interesting to see what the results would be.

SPreston2001 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-04-09, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raze

If you're talking about the difference between F45 and F55 of $12-80 when each strut costs over $650 each for either type you're splitting hairs, I was making a comment about the relative cost of ACDelco suspension parts for any of these cars...

Well considering those are supposed to last the lifetime of the vechicle hopefully he wont ever have to replace them.