2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 144 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 368 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 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 2013 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2013 Cadillac CTS (373 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 2013 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Cadillac |
| Model | Jetta | CTS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 314 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4557 mm | 4788 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1781 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1442 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
