1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Cadillac ATS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac ATS is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Cadillac ATS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac ATS (268 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac ATS should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac ATS weights approximately 355 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Cadillac ATS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac ATS will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 Cadillac ATS (353 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac ATS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Cadillac ATS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Cadillac |
| Model | Golf | ATS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4643 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1805 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2775 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
