1999 Cadillac Catera vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Cadillac Catera 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 52 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 405 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. 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, 2012 Mazda 3, 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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1999 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 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 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | Catera | 3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
