1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 4 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 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 140 kg more than 2001 Mercury Sable. 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, 2001 Mercury Sable, 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Catera | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
| Model | Catera | Sable |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
