1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Cadillac XTS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac XTS 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 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Cadillac XTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac XTS (314 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac XTS should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac XTS weights approximately 752 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 XTS 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 XTS 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 XTS (358 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac XTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2013 Cadillac XTS has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Cadillac XTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Cadillac XTS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Cadillac |
| Model | Golf | XTS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 3564 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 314 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.5 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5131 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2837 mm |
