2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2002 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 15 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Cadillac Catera. 2002 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
