1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry 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 111 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 855 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 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 Nissan Cherry, 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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (123 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 1998 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Cherry has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Cherry 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 | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | Catera | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2400 mm |
