2004 Cadillac Catera vs. 1989 Dodge Shadow
To start off, 2004 Cadillac Catera is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Dodge Shadow. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Dodge Shadow would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1989 Dodge Shadow. (175 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1989 Dodge Shadow. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 417 kg more than 1989 Dodge Shadow. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow, 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Shadow will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Cadillac Catera. 2004 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1989 Dodge Shadow has manual transmission. 1989 Dodge Shadow will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac Catera | 1989 Dodge Shadow | |
| Make | Cadillac | Dodge |
| Model | Catera | Shadow |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1288 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2470 mm |
