2000 Cadillac Catera vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Cadillac Catera is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 335 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour, 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, 2000 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2000 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2000 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Cadillac Catera | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Catera | Contour |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 54 L |
