1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1980 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore 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 85 more horse power than 1980 Opel Commodore. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 393 kg more than 1980 Opel Commodore. 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Commodore. (179 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Commodore. 1998 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1980 Opel Commodore has manual transmission. 1980 Opel Commodore 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 | 1980 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Cadillac | Opel |
| Model | Catera | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
