2003 Cadillac Catera vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 2003 Cadillac Catera is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac Catera (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. (200 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 110 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac Catera | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | 350 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2830 mm |
