1999 Cadillac Catera vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Cadillac Catera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Cadillac Catera (301 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 6 kg more than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 (370 Nm) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm). This means 1999 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 1999 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Cadillac Catera | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Catera | S |
Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3001 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 301 HP | 154 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 370 Nm | 223 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |