2003 Cadillac Catera vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac Catera 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 53 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 285 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Catera | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
