1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 2011 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2011 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 15 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 39 more horse power than 2011 Mazda CX-7. (161 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda CX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 124 kg more than 2011 Mazda CX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Mazda CX-7, 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, 1996 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda CX-7. (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda CX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Cadillac Catera | 2011 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | Catera | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
