1984 BMW 316 vs. 1998 Cadillac Catera
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 715 kg more than 1984 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1998 Cadillac Catera | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 316 | Catera |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
