2003 Cadillac CTS vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta

To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 10 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 11 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 175 kg more than 2013 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, 2013 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, 2003 Cadillac CTS (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 2003 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2003 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Cadillac CTS 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
Make Cadillac Volkswagen
Model CTS Jetta
Year Released 2003 2013
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2597 cc 2500 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 5 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 179 HP 168 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 245 Nm 240 Nm
Torque RPM 3400 RPM 4250 RPM
Engine Bore Size 83.3 mm 82 mm
Engine Stroke Size 79.6 mm 92 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.2:1 9.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1620 kg 1445 kg
Vehicle Length 4840 mm 4628 mm
Vehicle Width 1800 mm 1778 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1453 mm
Wheelbase Size 2890 mm 2651 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 64 L 55 L