1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2000 Cadillac Catera
To start off, 2000 Cadillac Catera is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2000 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2000 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 5 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 2000 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 2000 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera, 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Cadillac Catera. (270 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2000 Cadillac Catera | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Riviera | Catera |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
