2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 8 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 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 156 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac CTS | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
