1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 2009 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS is newer by 13 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 4,564 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1996 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 75 kg more than 2009 Cadillac STS.
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, 2009 Cadillac STS (427 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Catera | 2009 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | Cadillac | Cadillac |
| Model | Catera | STS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 4564 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 3.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 64 L |
