2006 Cadillac STS vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Cadillac STS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac STS (321 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac STS weights approximately 658 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Cadillac STS 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 STS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2006 Cadillac STS (427 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Cadillac STS has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Cadillac STS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac STS | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | STS | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.5 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
