1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1998 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 105 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420.
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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | 420 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2460 mm |
