1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 2009 Lexus RX
To start off, 2009 Lexus RX 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 3,439 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus RX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus RX (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus RX should accelerate faster than 1997 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus RX weights approximately 205 kg more than 1997 Cadillac Catera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lexus RX 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 Lexus RX 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 Lexus RX (340 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus RX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Catera | 2009 Lexus RX | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lexus |
| Model | Catera | RX |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 73 L |
