2001 Cadillac Catera vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 2001 Cadillac Catera is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 165 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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, 2001 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. 2001 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Cadillac Catera | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | 250 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2523 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
