2003 Cadillac Catera vs. 1998 Honda Prelude

To start off, 2003 Cadillac Catera is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Prelude 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 70 more horse power than 1998 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 465 kg more than 1998 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2003 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 2003 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda Prelude, 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, 2003 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Prelude. 2003 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1998 Honda Prelude 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 1998 Honda Prelude
Make Cadillac Honda
Model Catera Prelude
Year Released 2003 1998
Body Type Sedan Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2962 cc 1996 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 201 HP 131 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 260 Nm 178 Nm
Torque RPM 3600 RPM 4800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 86 mm 85 mm
Engine Stroke Size 85 mm 88 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 9.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1705 kg 1240 kg
Vehicle Length 4890 mm 4530 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1760 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1320 mm
Wheelbase Size 2940 mm 2590 mm