2004 Cadillac CTS vs. 1996 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 2004 Cadillac CTS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Parati. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Parati would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Parati. (91 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Parati. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 805 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Parati. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Parati, 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, 2004 Cadillac CTS (232 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Parati. (148 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Parati.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac CTS | 1996 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Parati |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |
