1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 110 kg more than 1996 Cadillac Catera. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Catera | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
