2004 Cadillac CTS vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Cadillac CTS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac CTS (396 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 173 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2003 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, 2004 Cadillac CTS (536 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac CTS | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 396 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 536 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 274 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
