1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 270 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.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Cadillac Catera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Catera | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 88 L |
