1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,222 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 215 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 88 L |
