1999 Cadillac Catera vs. 1985 Ford Escort
To start off, 1999 Cadillac Catera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Escort 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 68 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 625 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort, 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, 1999 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1999 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort. 1999 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Escort 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 | 1985 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Catera | Escort |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
