1997 Cadillac Catera Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Cadillac Catera offers a luggage capacity of 410 liters (approximately 14.5 cubic feet), which is quite competitive for a mid-size luxury sedan of its era. This capacity is enough to accommodate several large suitcases or a combination of smaller bags, making it suitable for daily use and weekend trips. Compared to similar sedans, the Catera's trunk is slightly above average, ensuring ample storage without compromising rear passenger comfort.

The 1997 Cadillac Catera has a curb weight of 1710 kg (about 3,770 pounds). This relatively moderate weight for a luxury sedan of its size allows the vehicle to offer stable handling and smooth ride quality without excessive fuel consumption. The curb weight contributes to a balanced chassis performance, ensuring that the car is solid on the road but still responsive during acceleration and braking. It is a testament to its build quality and engineering focus on comfort and control.

Yes, the 1997 Cadillac Catera fits comfortably inside a standard residential garage. With a length of 4930 mm (194.1 inches) and width of 1790 mm (70.5 inches), it falls within typical garage size constraints, which usually accommodate vehicles up to about 6 meters long and 2.5 meters wide. However, owners should consider additional space for opening doors and maneuvering around the car, which the Catera's moderate width supports well. Its height of 1430 mm (56.3 inches) also poses no issues for standard garage clearances.

The Cadillac Catera was introduced in 1996 as a fresh model rather than a direct replacement for a predecessor in Cadillac's lineup, effectively replacing the Cadillac Cimarron which was much smaller and less luxurious. Compared to earlier compact and mid-size Cadillac sedans, the Catera is larger and more modern in design, with a length of 4930 mm (194.1 inches), which is notably bigger and provides more interior space and luggage capacity. Its dimensions reflect a shift toward a more European-inspired size and driving feel, moving away from heavy, bulky predecessors.

The 1997 Cadillac Catera competes with mid-size luxury sedans like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class of the late 1990s. In terms of size, the Catera's 4930 mm (194.1 in) length and 1790 mm (70.5 in) width place it in the same ballpark as these rivals, though slightly longer than some compact executive competitors. The luggage capacity of 410 liters (14.5 cubic feet) is competitive, offering similar practicality. While it may not have matched the refinement or prestige of some European rivals, it provided a spacious, well-equipped option with a distinctly American luxury vibe.

The standard rims on the 1997 Cadillac Catera are sized at 7J x 16 inches, paired with tires sized 225/55 HR16. This configuration balances ride comfort and handling, providing adequate grip and smooth road performance. The 16-inch rims and relatively tall sidewall tires contribute to a cushioned ride, well-suited for a luxury sedan designed with passenger comfort in mind.

While exact ground clearance figures are not commonly specified for the 1997 Cadillac Catera, typical mid-size sedans of this era generally offer ground clearance around 140 to 160 mm (5.5 to 6.3 inches). Assuming the Catera falls within this range, this height is sufficient for regular city and highway driving without causing issues over speed bumps or minor road irregularities. It strikes a compromise between a low center of gravity for better handling and enough clearance to avoid undercarriage damage on everyday roads.

The Cadillac Catera stands at 1430 mm (56.3 inches) tall, which provides a good balance between interior headroom and a sleek, aerodynamic exterior profile. This height generally offers comfortable headroom for front and rear passengers, ensuring a spacious cabin environment. From an exterior perspective, the relatively low height enhances the sedan's sporty stance, contributing to both aesthetics and reduced aerodynamic drag, aiding fuel efficiency and driving dynamics.

The 1997 Cadillac Catera is unique among sedans of its time due to its combination of American luxury and European-inspired engineering. It was Cadillac's attempt to enter the mid-size luxury segment dominated by German rivals by offering a sedan that delivered both comfort and spirited driving dynamics. Built by Opel in Germany, the Catera featured precise handling, a well-appointed interior, and a sleek design, distinguishing it from larger, more traditional American luxury cars. It stood out by blending transatlantic qualities with a focus on driver engagement and upscale appointments.