1996 Cadillac Catera vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 16 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, both vehicles can yield 200 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 317 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Cadillac Catera. 1996 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Cadillac Catera | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
Model | Catera | GTI |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1393 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4213 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1501 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |