1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 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 66 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 175 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. 1996 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2002 Mercedes-Benz E has manual transmission. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2840 mm |
