1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 6 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 72 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 550 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Cadillac Catera. 1997 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
Model | Catera | Polo |
Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1983 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 128 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 206 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 | 1155 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3900 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2470 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |