2005 Cadillac CTS vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 280 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Cadillac CTS. (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
