1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 1997 Oldsmobile Alero
To start off, both 1997 Cadillac Catera and 1997 Oldsmobile Alero were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Oldsmobile Alero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1997 Oldsmobile Alero. (170 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1997 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 145 kg more than 1997 Oldsmobile Alero. 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, 1997 Oldsmobile Alero, 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 Oldsmobile Alero (271 Nm) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm). This means 1997 Oldsmobile Alero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Catera | 1997 Oldsmobile Alero | |
| Make | Cadillac | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Catera | Alero |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
