1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1997 Cadillac Catera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 15 kg more than 1997 Cadillac Catera.
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, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice (334 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Catera | 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Catera | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 94.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2950 mm |
