1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1991 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercury Tracer 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 112 more horse power than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 610 kg more than 1991 Mercury Tracer. 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, 1991 Mercury Tracer, 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 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 1991 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
| Model | Catera | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2510 mm |
