2005 Cadillac Catera vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Cadillac Catera is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 395 kg more than 2002 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Cadillac Catera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2005 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac Catera | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
| Model | Catera | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2710 mm |
