2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 360 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944. 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, 2002 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac Catera | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Porsche |
| Model | Catera | 944 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
