1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Sonata 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 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 10 more horse power than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (190 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
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 Hyundai Sonata, 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Sonata. (242 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 2012 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Cadillac | Hyundai |
| Model | Catera | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 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 Length | 4890 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2794 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
