2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2008 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 559 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 2008 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 2008 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2008 Cadillac CTS (233 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 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. 2008 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Cadillac |
| Model | Golf | CTS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1229 kg | 1788 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4199 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
