1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 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 92 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (108 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 600 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (135 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1996 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | Catera | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
