2008 BMW 323 vs. 2003 Cadillac Catera
To start off, 2008 BMW 323 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Cadillac Catera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac Catera would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac Catera (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 BMW 323. (176 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 215 kg more than 2008 BMW 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 323. (230 Nm). This means 2003 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 323. 2003 Cadillac Catera has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 323 | 2003 Cadillac Catera | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 323 | Catera |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2962 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 13.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
