1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 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) has 62 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 229 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Catera | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Catera | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1481 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
