2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Cadillac Catera would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (268 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2002 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2002 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 80 kg more than 2002 Cadillac Catera. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac Catera | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | SLK |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 12 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
