1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 41 more horse power than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (159 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 260 kg more than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Cadillac | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Catera | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2740 mm |
