2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 1957 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,112 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Ford Thunderbird (223 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2002 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2002 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 193 kg more than 1957 Ford Thunderbird.
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. 2002 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1957 Ford Thunderbird has manual transmission. 1957 Ford Thunderbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac Catera | 1957 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Catera | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 5112 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2600 mm |
