2002 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 3,173 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2002 Cadillac CTS. (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2002 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 217 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 2002 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 2002 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Cadillac CTS. (296 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Cadillac CTS. 2002 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | GTI |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3173 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1618 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
