1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 5 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 77 more horse power than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 615 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. 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, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm, 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 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm. 1997 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2002 Chevrolet Prizm has manual transmission. 2002 Chevrolet Prizm 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 | 2002 Chevrolet Prizm | |
Make | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
Model | Catera | Prizm |
Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1794 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1090 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2470 mm |