1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 1999 Ford Cougar
To start off, 1999 Ford Cougar is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Cadillac Catera 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 32 more horse power than 1999 Ford Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 295 kg more than 1999 Ford Cougar. 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, 1999 Ford Cougar, 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Cougar. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Cougar. 1997 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Cougar has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Cougar 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 | 1999 Ford Cougar | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Catera | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2710 mm |
