2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 398 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Cadillac CTS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 Cadillac CTS (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2012 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2012 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Cadillac |
| Model | Passat | CTS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
