1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour 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 32 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 391 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. 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 Ford Contour, 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Cadillac Catera | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Cadillac | Ford |
Model | Catera | Contour |
Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
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 | 1314 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2710 mm |