2004 BMW 120 vs. 1998 Cadillac Catera
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Cadillac Catera would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 320 kg more than 2004 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 BMW 120 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Cadillac Catera. 1998 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1998 Cadillac Catera | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 120 | Catera |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 13.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 68 L |
