1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Cadillac Catera is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 815 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Cadillac Catera 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 1996 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1996 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 1996 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Cadillac Catera | 1980 Ford Escort | |
Make | Cadillac | Ford |
Model | Catera | Escort |
Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1597 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 96 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 132 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 895 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2400 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |