1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 3 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 58 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 490 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 146, 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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. 1997 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 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 | 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Catera | 146 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |
