1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Cadillac Catera is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel 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 103 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 570 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1996 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Catera | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | Catera | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2680 mm |
