1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 12 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 25 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 14 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Cadillac Catera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (410 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Catera | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Cadillac | Dodge |
| Model | Catera | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 74 L |
