2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 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 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (282 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2002 Cadillac Catera. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 220 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
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, 2008 Mazda 3, 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (576 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Cadillac Catera. 2002 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 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 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | Catera | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
