1999 Cadillac Catera vs. 1977 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1999 Cadillac Catera is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1977 Datsun 280Z. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1977 Datsun 280Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 401 kg more than 1977 Datsun 280Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1999 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Datsun 280Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Cadillac Catera | 1977 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Cadillac | Datsun |
| Model | Catera | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
