2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 2000 Mazda 121
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mazda 121 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 141 more horse power than 2000 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 775 kg more than 2000 Mazda 121. 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, 2000 Mazda 121, 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 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda 121. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda 121. 2002 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2000 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 2000 Mazda 121 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 | 2000 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | Catera | 121 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2460 mm |
