1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 14 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1997 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 116 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 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, 2011 Ford Taurus, 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Catera | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Catera | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 72 L |
