1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 915 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Cadillac Catera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Golf. (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1989 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1989 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Catera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2480 mm |
