2003 Cadillac CTS 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 CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 3,997 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 45 kg more than 2003 Cadillac CTS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Cadillac CTS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 3997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
