2009 Cadillac STS vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,599 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac STS weights approximately 290 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Cadillac STS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2009 Cadillac STS (369 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Cadillac STS has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac STS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac STS | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | STS | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3599 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
