2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Opel Meriva 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 100 more horse power than 1999 Opel Meriva. (100 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 325 kg more than 1999 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Cadillac Catera is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Opel Meriva, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Opel Meriva. (223 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Opel Meriva. 2002 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1999 Opel Meriva has manual transmission. 1999 Opel Meriva 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 | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Cadillac | Opel |
| Model | Catera | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 53 L |
