1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1998 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 10 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Cadillac Catera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (299 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 66 L |
