2004 Cadillac Catera vs. 1996 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 2004 Cadillac Catera is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Plymouth Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Plymouth Neon 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 68 more horse power than 1996 Plymouth Neon. (132 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1996 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 596 kg more than 1996 Plymouth Neon. 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, 1996 Plymouth Neon, 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, 2004 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Plymouth Neon. 2004 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 1996 Plymouth Neon has manual transmission. 1996 Plymouth Neon 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 | 1996 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Cadillac | Plymouth |
| Model | Catera | Neon |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 79 L |
