2003 Cadillac Catera vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 8 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, both vehicles can yield 201 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 205 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Catera | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
