2006 Cadillac CTS vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Cadillac CTS is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2006 Cadillac CTS. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2006 Cadillac CTS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 201 kg more than 2006 Cadillac CTS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Cadillac CTS. (232 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Cadillac CTS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac CTS | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1794 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
