1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 2010 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 14 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Routan. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Routan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 256 kg more than 1996 Cadillac Catera.
Because 1996 Cadillac Catera is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Routan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2010 Volkswagen Routan (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Catera | 2010 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Catera | Routan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 78 L |
