1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1997 Cadillac Catera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 75 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1997 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | 300 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
