Parameters of five popular continuum damage models are fit to match their creep rate and time to rupture predictions with that of a validated micro-mechanisms based model at a high nominal stress for an austenitic stainless steel. Their predictions are then compared with that of the micro-mechanisms based model at lower stress levels. The creep-strain rate and time to failure predictions of the model due to Wen et al. (Eng Fract Mech 98:169–184, 2013) best agrees with that of the micro-mechanisms based model in the regime of dominance of creep deformation processes. At still lower stress levels, where cavitation-rate is determined by diffusion processes, the Wen et al. model predictions of creep lifetimes become excessively non-conservative. A correction based on a formula due to Cocks and Ashby (Prog Mater Sci 27:189–244, 1982) has been proposed for this regime. © 2017, The Indian Institute of Metals - IIM.