2003 Cadillac Catera vs. 2004 Ford C-MAX
To start off, 2004 Ford C-MAX is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac Catera 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 48 more horse power than 2004 Ford C-MAX. (153 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford C-MAX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 283 kg more than 2004 Ford C-MAX. 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, 2004 Ford C-MAX, 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 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford C-MAX. (197 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford C-MAX. 2003 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford C-MAX has manual transmission. 2004 Ford C-MAX 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 | 2004 Ford C-MAX | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Catera | C-MAX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
