2011 Cadillac CTS vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac CTS (304 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 363 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2011 Cadillac CTS (370 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Cadillac CTS | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | CTS | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 304 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1757 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4859 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1842 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
