2012 Cadillac CTS vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 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 166 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 326 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2012 Cadillac CTS | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
Model | CTS | Passat |
Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3000 cc | 1895 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 270 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 302 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1748 kg | 1422 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4877 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1842 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |