2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan 300 ZX 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 29 more horse power than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 245 kg more than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. 2002 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1985 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX 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 | 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | Catera | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2530 mm |
