2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2003 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Cadillac CTS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac CTS would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 184 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2003 Cadillac CTS (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Cadillac CTS has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 2003 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Cadillac |
| Model | Passat | CTS |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
