2003 Cadillac Catera vs. 1983 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Cadillac Catera is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac Catera (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1983 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 520 kg more than 1983 Ford Mustang. 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, 2003 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Mustang. 2003 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1983 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac Catera | 1983 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Catera | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2560 mm |
