1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 2012 Acura TL
To start off, 2012 Acura TL is newer by 14 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Acura TL (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1998 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 15 kg more than 2012 Acura TL.
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, 2012 Acura TL, 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, 2012 Acura TL (344 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 2012 Acura TL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Acura |
| Model | Catera | TL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4928 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
