1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 145 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1998 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | 280 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
