2003 Cadillac Catera vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Cadillac Catera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac Catera (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 600 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Cadillac Catera 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 2003 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2003 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac Catera | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Catera | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2512 mm |
