2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac CTS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac CTS (314 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 503 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Cadillac CTS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS 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, 2013 Cadillac CTS (373 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2013 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Cadillac |
| Model | Golf | CTS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 314 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1953 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4534 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1781 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
