1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1997 Cadillac Catera is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 350 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Cadillac Catera | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
Make | Cadillac | Ford |
Model | Catera | Mustang |
Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2962 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 173 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1355 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2560 mm |