2005 Cadillac Catera vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Cadillac Catera 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 25 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 263 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima. 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, 2012 Nissan Altima, 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac Catera | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | Catera | Altima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
