1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1996 Cadillac Catera is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 260 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 47 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 340 kg more than 1981 Volvo 260. 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Catera | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volvo |
| Model | Catera | 260 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2660 mm |
