1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Cadillac Catera is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Catera (200 HP) has 151 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 875 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Catera | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Catera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 138 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
