1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 2003 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2003 Nissan Xterra 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 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 59 more horse power than 2003 Nissan Xterra. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 Nissan Xterra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Nissan Xterra 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, 2003 Nissan Xterra 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Xterra. 1998 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan Xterra 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 | 2003 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | Catera | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2660 mm |
