1999 Cadillac Catera vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Cadillac Catera is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 86 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 405 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (285 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Cadillac Catera. 1999 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
Model | Catera | Golf |
Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 285 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |