2001 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Cadillac Catera
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Cadillac Catera would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 277 kg more than 2001 BMW 318. 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, 1997 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1997 Cadillac Catera | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 318 | Catera |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
