2007 Cadillac CTS vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Cadillac CTS is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,801 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Cadillac CTS (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2007 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 2007 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2007 Cadillac CTS (263 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Cadillac CTS | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Passat |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2801 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
