1974 BMW 3 vs. 2002 Cadillac Catera
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 200 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 272 kg more than 1974 BMW 3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Cadillac Catera. 2002 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2002 Cadillac Catera | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 3 | Catera |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2940 mm |
