1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort 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 110 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 825 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1998 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort 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 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Catera | Escort |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 54 L |
