1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1997 Buick Park Avenue
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Park Avenue. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Park Avenue would be higher. At 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1998 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 35 kg more than 1998 Cadillac Catera. 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, 1997 Buick Park Avenue, 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, 1997 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 1997 Buick Park Avenue | |
| Make | Cadillac | Buick |
| Model | Catera | Park Avenue |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 3798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
