2003 Cadillac Catera vs. 2000 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2003 Cadillac Catera is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercury Tracer 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 92 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 565 kg more than 2000 Mercury Tracer. 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, 2000 Mercury Tracer, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Tracer. 2003 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2000 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 2000 Mercury Tracer 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 | 2000 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
Model | Catera | Tracer |
Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1988 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 260 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2510 mm |