1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Cadillac Catera would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 355 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 540 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3090 mm |
