Why was the Catera received so poorly in the USA?

In reply to gearheadE30 :

The updated Catera Sports were pretty good besides that drivetrain. Not terrible, not great. 

MadScientistMatt said:

BlueInGreen - Jon said:

So, GRM project car comparison showdown idea:

Caddy Catera vs Lincoln LS

Should the showdown involve the ease of swapping in an LS, or maybe a Coyote for the Lincoln?

I'm thinking JG and Tom rock-paper-scissors to pick one, and then go to town with a pre-determined budget, timed competition, and drift exhibition at the FIRM.

(Inspired by an old C&D article where the editors did a "winter beater" competition. I remember it involved ice racing and an old Camaro sprayed with N2O)