1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1981 Cadillac Seville
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 4,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1981 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 35 kg more than 1981 Cadillac Seville. 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, 1981 Cadillac Seville, 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, 1981 Cadillac Seville (284 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 1981 Cadillac Seville | |
| Make | Cadillac | Cadillac |
| Model | Catera | Seville |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 284 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 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 | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2900 mm |
