2004 Cadillac Catera vs. 2003 Oldsmobile Alero
To start off, 2004 Cadillac Catera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Oldsmobile Alero 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 61 more horse power than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. (139 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 345 kg more than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. 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, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Oldsmobile Alero.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac Catera | 2003 Oldsmobile Alero | |
| Make | Cadillac | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Catera | Alero |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 53 L |
