1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1977 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Fiesta 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 147 more horse power than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 870 kg more than 1977 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1998 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Fiesta. 1998 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 1977 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Catera | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 34 L |
