2003 Cadillac Catera vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (349 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2003 Cadillac Catera. (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 Cadillac Catera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 244 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (450 Nm) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Cadillac Catera | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
