2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 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 3,563 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS (252 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 175 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 CTS (346 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3563 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
