2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2002 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2002 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 109 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac Catera | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | 380 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 216 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 | 1705 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
