1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 15 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (210 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1997 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 136 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.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Catera | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1841 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
