1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 29 more horse power than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (171 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 373 kg more than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. 1997 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2009 Pontiac Solstice has manual transmission. 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Catera | Solstice |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2384 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 49 L |
