2000 Cadillac Catera vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Cadillac Catera is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2000 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 135 kg more than 2000 Cadillac Catera. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Cadillac Catera. (270 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Cadillac Catera | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
