1999 Cadillac Catera vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1999 Cadillac Catera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Astra 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 126 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 505 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. 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, 1998 Opel Astra, 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1999 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra. 1999 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Astra 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 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Cadillac | Opel |
| Model | Catera | Astra |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
