1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1998 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 193 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
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 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Cadillac Catera. 1998 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Altima 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 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
Model | Catera | Altima |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
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 | 270 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 349 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1512 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4595 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1796 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2675 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |