1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 1996 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 1997 Cadillac Catera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Caravan would be higher. At 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (156 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
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, 1996 Dodge Caravan, 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Catera | 1996 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Cadillac | Dodge |
| Model | Catera | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2880 mm |
