1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1997 Cadillac Catera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Polo 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 @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 619 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo, 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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. 1997 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Catera | Polo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
