1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Jetta 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 126 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 805 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. 1998 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1984 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
Model | Catera | Jetta |
Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 128 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2480 mm |