Sure, you can use a Nexus as an Enterprise core.
You can also use it as a distribution layer device, access layer device, WAN router, etc. Conversely, for L3 needs, you can use routers or Catalyst L3 switches in different roles too, other than their targeted roles.
Basically, different Cisco devices have features that lend themselves for different usage roles. Catalyst L3 switches' features are "better" (usually) for Enterprise LANs while Nexus are "better" (usually) for Data Centers. (Historical trivia, we had DCs before there was Nexus. We also had networks before there were L3 switches, and even Cisco devices. So, consider, why anyone bothered to start using such. Usually because such devices, or Cisco's devices, were considered "better".)
If you would like a list of actual feature differences, it would take a while to compile. You would also need to specify which Catalyst and Nexus series you're comparing, also specific models with possibly specific installed hardware components along with specific OS and feature licenses. (Laugh, the only attribute I've usually found easy to compare is cost, and that, alone, often is not very helpful beyond being restricted by it.)
Unfortunately, although your question is simple (and reasonable), beyond the simple answer that (usually) a Catalyst would be "better" for an Enterprise core than a Nexus, a detailed answer is not simple.
