2008 Cadillac CTS vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Cadillac CTS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,598 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac CTS (304 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 685 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2008 Cadillac CTS (370 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac CTS | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3598 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 304 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1790 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2512 mm |
