2005 Cadillac CTS vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2005 Cadillac CTS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac CTS (255 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 141 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40, 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, 2005 Cadillac CTS (343 Nm) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (165 Nm). This means 2005 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac CTS | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volvo |
| Model | CTS | S40 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 62 L |
