1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 11 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1998 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 465 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | SLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
