1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Cadillac Catera 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 86 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 437 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Cadillac Catera | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
Model | Catera | Golf |
Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1894 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1273 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |